1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 eggs
1 tsp. almond extract
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. chopped almonds
1 (6 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained & chopped

In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in extract. Combine dry ingredients; blend into creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Stir in the almonds and cherries. Pour into a greased and floured 9"x5"x3" loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 70 minutes or until loaf tests done. Remove from pan, cool on a wire rack.