3 squares of bakers unsweetened chocolate
1 c butter (2 sticks)
1 c sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 c all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
¼ t. salt
Additional sugar

Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwavable bowl on HIGH for 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.

Stir 1 c sugar into melted chocolate mixture until well blended. Stir in egg and vanilla until completely mixed. Mix in flour, soda and salt. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 375⁰ F. Shape dough into 1 inch balls; roll in additional sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. (If a flatter, crisper cookie is desired, flatten ball with bottom of drinking glass) Bake 8 – 10 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks. Makes about 3 1/3 doz. Cookies.

For caramel filled – prepare recipe as above, but roll dough in finely chopped nuts instead of sugar. Make indentation in each ball. Bake as directed. Microwave 1 pkg (14 ounces caramels with 2 T milk in microwavable bowl on HIGH for 3 minutes or until melted, stirring after 2 minutes (watch closely…can burn). Fill centers of cookies with caramel mixture. Place 1 square bakers semi-sweet chocolate in a zipper style baggie. Close bag tightly and microwave on HIGH about 1 minute or until chocolate is melted. Snip a tiny piece off 1 corner. Holding top of bag tightly, drizzle chocolate through opening over cookies.

You can also put your favorite jam in the center of these instead. You put it in before you bake and after you roll in nuts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Again That Time of Year is Here

Again that time of year is here
When wreaths elves lights appear
The hue of Santa’s suit and sleigh
Adding color the wintry skies of gray
Until pansies roses tulips grow
Melting all of the Season’s snow
But I like holly gifts Advent more
Than all that springtime holds in store
For it’s this I’ll tell you I so adore:
Again that time of year is here
When wreaths elves lights appear.