2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. chopped pecans
1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (1 c.)

Lightly grease a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan; set aside. In mixing bowl thoroughly stir together flour, soda and salt; set aside.

In large mixing bowl, cream together sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to creamed mixture. Beat just until blended after each addition. Fold in nuts and cherries.

Turn batter into prepared pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 55-60 minutes. Remove from pan; cool. If desired, glaze with confectioners' sugar icing.