Spumoni Spritz Cookies

SPUMONI SPRITZ COOKIES
These cookies deliver the traditional spumoni ice cream flavors: Cherry, Pistachio and Chocolate

 (things in all caps below are pampered chef objects. this recipe is from Pampered chef's simply sweet cookbook) http://www.pamperedchef.com/


Prep Time 50 mins
Total time 2 hours
Yield 7-8 dozen cookies


Ing.

3 tbsp Shelled pistachios
53-63 Maraschino Cherries, well drained and cut in half
1 square ( 1 oz) semi sweet chocolate for baking, chopped
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
6 drops green food coloring
4 drops red food coloring
2 tbsp powdered sugar

1. Prepare Stir-in ingredients

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grate pistachios with ROTARY GRATER. Finely chop eight of the cherries with FOOD CHOPPER; blot with paper towel. Place chocolate in SMALL MICRO COOKER; microwave uncovered on high 30-60 seconds or until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.

2. Mix cookie dough

In STAINLESS 4 QT MIXING BOWL ,beat butter and sugar on medium speed of electric hand mixer for about 3 minutes or until creamy. Add egg; beat until light and fluffy. Gradually add four, mix on low speed just until blended ( dough will be stiff do not refrigerate.)

3. Divide dough and add color and flavor

Divide dough into three equal portions; place into each of three STAINLESS MIXING BOWLS. To one portion of the dough, add pistachios, almond extract and green food coloring, mix well. To another portion of the dough add chopped cherries and red food coloring. To the remaining dough, add melted chocolate. Beat each dough on medium speed just until blended.

4. Press Cookies

Shape each portion of dough into a 15-in log on lightly floured CUTTING BOARD. cut logs crosswise into thirds. Fit COOKIE PRESS with disk #2 or #6. Place one portion of each color into cookie press. Press dough onto ungreased COOKIE SHEET 1 in apart. Place cherry halves onto cookies.

5. Bake and Garnish

Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool cookies  2 mins on cookie sheet; remove to STACKABLE COOKING RACK. repeat with remaining dough. Cool completely, you may lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar.