Cherry Almond Chews - cooking recipe

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

Preparation

In a mixing bowl cream shortening and sugar.
Add the eggs one at a time,beating well after each addition.
Beat in extract.
Combine the flour baking soda and salt,gradually add to creamed mixture.
Stir in coconut and nuts if desired.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
Place a cherry half in the center of each cookie.
Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned.
Remove to wire racks to cool.