1 c. shortening
1 (3 oz.) cream cheese
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, halved

Cream shortening, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and extract. Sift dry ingredients together and stir into creamed mixture. Chill dough for 1 hour. Form into 1 inch balls. Roll balls in finely chopped nuts and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press a cherry half into center of each ball. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Makes 4 1/2 dozen.