White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

Cream cheese, white chocolate or coating, & chopped dried cherries combine to make this candy, which may be tinted pink or left white, as you wish.

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 pounds white baking bars, broken into small chunks
• 1 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
• 1 drop red food coloring (optional)

Directions:

Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. In a 6-cup microwave-safe bowl melt butter on medium high heat, about 30 seconds. Add baking chocolate and continue heating until smooth and melted, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stopping and stirring after 1 minute. Pour over cream cheese and beat until well blended, smooth and glossy. Fold in dried cherries and food coloring if desired. Spread in prepared pan and cool. Remove from pan and cut into 1 inch squares. Store in sealed plastic container in refrigerator, separating layers with wax paper.

Number of Servings: 64

Notes from the Cook: This delicious candy is sure to please white chocolate lovers as well as those who prefer other treats. The creamy white chocolate studded with tart dried cherries is also a colorful addition to your holiday candy offering.