1 c. shortening
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
3 tsp. almond extract
3 tsp. vanilla
1 c. milk
5 tsp. baking powder
10 oz. cherries, cut up
1/2 c. nuts, chopped (optional)
2 lbs. flour
Red coloring juice (just a little)

Mix shortening and sugar together, add eggs and 1/2 of milk and baking powder, coloring, almond flavoring, vanilla and remainder of milk. Add enough flour to form a soft dough. Add cherries and nuts. Shape in small balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Frost with butter frosting using almond flavoring and red coloring. Makes about 87 cookies.

FROSTING:

Mix confectioners sugar with butter and hot water to make frosting sort of thin.