Cherry Almond Chews

Total Time: 32 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups flaked coconut
• 3/4 cup chopped almonds or 3/4 cup pecans
• 1 (16 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained,halved

Recipe

• 1 in a mixing bowl cream shortening and sugar.
• 2 add the eggs one at a time,beating well after each addition.
• 3 beat in extract.
• 4 combine the flour baking soda and salt,gradually add to creamed mixture.
• 5 stir in coconut and nuts if desired.
• 6 drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
• 7 place a cherry half in the center of each cookie.
• 8 bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned.
• 9 remove to wire racks to cool.