1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2-1/2 cups flaked coconut
3/4 cup chopped almonds or pecans, optional
1 jar (16 oz.) maraschino cherries, drained and halved

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in coconut and nuts if desired. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Place a cherry half in the center of each.

Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield: about 7 dozen.

Submitted by: Susan Williams