Shortbread Sandwiches With Fudge Sauce

½ cup dried tart cherries and/or dried cranberries ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoon cornstarch ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon baking powder ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut in 1/2-inch pieces

Whipped Filling:

½ cup whipping cream 3 ounce cream cheese, softened ¼ cup powdered sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla 1 Fudge Sauce, recipe below Snipped dried tart cherries and/or dried cranberries

Fudge Sauce

½ cup whipping cream 3 tablespoon light corn syrup 4 ounce chopped semisweet chocolate