Peanut Butter Holiday Creams
["3 oz. cream cheese, softened", "1/2 c. butter, softened", "4 c. unsifted confectioners sugar", "1 1/2 tsp. vanilla", "2/3 c. finely chopped red or green candied cherries or finely chopped pecans", "12 oz. peanut butter chips", "2 Tbsp. solid vegetable shortening (not oil, butter or margarine)"]
["A candy thermometer is necessary for this recipe."]
["cream cheese", "butter", "confectioners sugar", "vanilla", "red or", "peanut butter", "vegetable shortening"]