1 c. shortening
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. almond extract
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 c. finely chopped nuts
Maraschino cherries, cut into fourths

Cream shortening and cream cheese together. Add sugar, egg and almond extract. Sift dry ingredients together and stir into creamed mixture. Chill dough; form into 1 inch balls. Dip balls in nuts; place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press a cherry fourth into center of each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Makes 4 1/2 dozen cookies.