Austrian Peach Cookies II

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). (Prep time: 5 minutes)

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Do not overmix. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies start to lightly brown on the bottom. Remove from the oven and let them cool on wire racks completely. (Bake time: 20 minutes, Cool time: 30 minutes)

Once the cookies are cool, use a small knife or melon baller to carefully carve a small hole into the flat side of each cookie. Reserve the crumbs. (Prep time: 20 minutes)

In a heatproof bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a pan of simmering water. Stir until smooth. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

In a medium bowl, combine the melted chocolate, apricot jam, ground pecans, rum, and the reserved cookie crumbs. Mix well until thoroughly blended. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Fill the carved-out centers of half of the cookies with the chocolate-apricot mixture. Press the filling sides of two cookies together to form a peach shape. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

Divide the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar into two separate bowls. In one bowl, place about 1/4 cup of sugar and add the red food coloring. Mix well with your fingers until the sugar is evenly colored. In the other bowl, place the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar and add the yellow food coloring, along with a tiny pinch of the red sugar to create a peachy hue. Mix thoroughly. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Lightly brush each assembled cookie with water. Roll the cookies first in the yellow sugar, then gently dip a portion of one side into the red sugar to give them a blush. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

If desired, insert plastic green stems into the tops of the cookies for a more realistic peach-like appearance. (Prep time: 5 minutes)