1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 c. butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
2 1/4 c. sifted cake flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 c. well drained, chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1 1/2 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tbsp. milk

Combine granulated sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla, mixing until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add 2 cups flour sifted with baking powder, mixing well after each addition. Toss remaining flour with cherries and chopped nuts. Fold into batter.

Sprinkle greased 10 inch tube pan or fluted tube pan with finely chopped nuts, pour batter into pan. Bake at 325 for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from pan; cool thoroughly.

Combine confectioners' sugar and milk, mix well. Drizzle over cake, garnish with additional cherries and nuts, if desired.

Makes one tube pan or 5 mini loaf pans. Great for Christmas gift giving.