Carmelitas

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 cup sugar

1 egg

2 envelopes premelted chocolate (1 oz. each)

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped nuts

36 caramels (or 36 cherries)

**FROSTING:** 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1 envelope premelted chocolate

2 tablespoons hot water up to 3

In bowl mix butter, sugar, eggs, chocolate, milk, vanilla. Mix in remaining ingredients to a soft dough, scraping bowl constantly. Chill dough 1 to 2 hours. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mold dough around caramel halves or cherries and place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake about 7 minutes or until set. Cool. Dip in frosting.

Frosting: In small bowl blend all ingredients. Dip cooled cookies in frosting, allow to dry.

by Martha Hicks