1 c. butter
2 c. confectioners' sugar
1 egg yolk
2 c. sifted flour
2 c. finely ground or blanched almonds
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Candied cherries, halved

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk and all other ingredients, except cherries. Knead well with hands or spoon. Shape in small balls with hands dusted with confectioners' sugar. Put on baking sheet 3 inches apart. Press half a candied cherry in center of each cookie. Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) until golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on racks. Makes about 40.