1/2 c. Crisco
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. crisp rice cereal
Red and green candied cherries

In bowl, blend Crisco, cheese, sugar and extract until combined. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir into creamed mixture until combined. Chill about 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Form dough into balls, using 1 tablespoon for each cookie. Roll in coarsely crushed cereal. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Cut cherries in slivers. Top each ball with cherry piece, pressing in lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes. Cool on rack. Makes 30 cookies.