INGREDIENTS
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1 cup tart dried cherries (NOT "sweet, dark")
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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3 tablespoons Cointreau
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2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
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3/4 cups unsalted butter
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1-2/3 cup sugar
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2 eggs, brought to room temp.
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2-1/3 cups flour
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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7-9 ounces dark chocolate*
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3 tablespoons shortening
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white pearl sugar, OR
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white chocolate**, optional