Cherry Nut Nuggets

Yield: about 4 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/3 cups finely chopped pecans
• Maraschino cherries, drained and halved

Instructions

1. Cream shortening and cream cheese together.
2. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg and almond extract. Beat well.
4. Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Stir into creamed mixture.
5. Chill dough for at least one hour.
6. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
7. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in pecans and place on ungreased cooking sheets. Gently press a cherry half into the center of each cookie.
8. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes.