Shortbread

These cookies are rich, buttery and simply perfect to satisfy a chocolate craving.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup sugar
• 2-1 ounce squares semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
• 2 cups flour
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 F.
2. Lightly butter a 13x9x2 baking pan.
3. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.  Stir in the chocolate, mixing well.  Add flour and salt; stir until completely incorporated.  Spread the dough into prepared pan and bake in the center of oven about 40 minutes or until firm.  Cool slightly in the pan, cut into squares then cool completely in the pan overnight.

Makes 2 dozen squares.

Chocolate craving getting the better of you? Try these fast and simple treats!

Ingredients:

• 48 Ritz Crackers
• 1 cup chocolate chips, milk or dark
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
• 1/2 cup (approximately), creamy peanut butter

Directions:

1. Spread peanut butter on a cracker and top with another cracker, making 24 ‘sandwiches’.
2. Melt chocolate and peanut butter chips in a medium bowl placed over a pot of simmering water on medium-low heat.
3. Dip filled crackers in the chocolate mixture, turning to coat thoroughly. Place coated sandwiches on wax paper and let stand until coating is firm.
4. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Makes 24 sandwiches.