2023 Resolutions

• Find a new job
• Get through level ten guitar on Yousician
• Read 12 books
• Run a marathon

Mocha Slices

 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee crystals
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flower
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 12-ounce package (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate pieces
• 1/4 cup shortening

Directions

In a small cup, stir together coffee crystals and water until dissolved. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or until softened.

Add about half the flour and all of the sugar, cocoa powder, egg, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, baking soda and salt to the shortening mixture. Add the coffee mixture. Beat until thoroughly combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat or stir in remaining flour. Shape dough into two 8-inch rolls. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Chill for 4 to 24 hours.

Cut dough into 1/8 inch thick slices. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake ina  375 degree oven for 7-9 minutes, or until tops look dry (don't over bake). Remove cookies and cool on a wire rack.

In a heavy saucepan, heat chocolate pieces and 1/4 cup shortening over low heat until just melted, stirring occasionally. Dip half of each cookie into chocolate mixture. Place on waxed paper and let stand until chocolate is set. Makes about 108 cookies.