Cherry Almond Chews

• Ready In: 32 mins
• Yields: 84 chews

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

Directions

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.