1 8-oz. pkg cream cheese, softened
2 TB butter, unsalted
2 lbs. good quality white chocolate (baking bars), broken into small pieces
1-1/2 cups chopped or halved maraschino cherries
1-2 drops red food coloring, optional
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Line a 9x9” baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray (extending foil over the sides). Set aside
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
In 6-cup microwave-safe bowl melt butter on medium high heat, about 30 seconds. Add baking chocolate and continue heating until smooth and melted, about 1-1/2 to 2 minutes total, stop and stir/whisk after 1 minute (then heat at 30 sec. intervals & stir).. Pour over cream cheese and beat until well blended, smooth and glossy.
Fold in cherries and food coloring if desired. Spread in prepared pan and cool. Remove from pan (use foil tabs) and cut into 1” squares or leave whole to slice later. Wrap in fresh foil, then stick into a large zip-top baggie and keep in the fridge (should keep up to 3 months).