Maple Nut Chocolates

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 7-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 cups chopped walnuts
• 2 teaspoons maple flavoring
• 1 teaspoon Spice Island® Pure Vanilla Extract
• 4 cups (24 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 teaspoons shortening

Directions

• In a small saucepan, combine milk and butter. Cook and stir over low heat until butter is melted. Place the confectioners' sugar in a large bowl; add milk mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in the walnuts, maple flavoring and vanilla. Roll into 3/4-in. balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
• In a microwave, melt the chips, bittersweet chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip balls into chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container. Yield: about 13 dozen.