1/2 c Shortening

1/2 c Margarine or butter

3 c All purpose flour

1 c Sugar

1 Egg

2 tb Milk

1 t Vanilla

1/2 ts Baking soda

1 Square (1 ounce) semi-sweet

Chocolate, melted and Cooled 4 ts Milk

1/3 c Chopped candied red

Cherries 1/2 c Chopped pistachio nuts

1/4 ts Rum flavoring

Few drops green food Coloring Powdered sugar icing or Melted chocolate (optional)

Beat shortening and margarine or butter about 30 seconds or till softened. Add half the flour, the sugar, egg, 2 Tbsp. milk, vanilla, baking soda, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Beat till thoroughly combined,

scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Stir in remaining flour. Divide dough into thirds. Into one portion, mix chocolate and 2 tsp. of the milk. Into second portion, mix cherries. Into third portion mix nuts, remaining milk, flavoring, and enough green food coloring to tint dough. To shape dough, line bottom and sides of an 8 x 4 x 2 inch loaf pan with clear plastic wrap. Press pink dough evenly in pan. Top with chocolate dough. Top with green dough. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours. Invert pan; remove dough. Remove plastic wrap. Cut dough into 1/4 inch thick slices; cut each slice crosswise into three pieces. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in 375 oven 8 to 10 minutes or till edges are lightly browned. Remove and cool on rack. Drizzle with powdered sugar icing tinted green or with melted chocolate. Makes about 84 From: Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Cookies 1992