2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
3 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. shortening
3/4 c. milk
1/4 c. maraschino cherry juice
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. almond extract
4 egg whites, NOT beaten
18 maraschino cherries, well drained & halved
1/2 c. nuts, chopped

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Drop in shortening. Combine milk and cherry juice, add 3/4 cups of this liquid. Add the flavoring extracts. Beat 200 strokes (or 2 minutes by hand or low speed on mixer). Scrape bowl and spoon or beater. Add remaining liquid and egg whites and beat 200 strokes (2 minutes on mixer at low speed). Add cherries and nuts and blend. Bake in 2 greased 9 inch layer pans in a moderate oven (375 degrees) for 20 to 25 minutes.