1/3 c. solid shortening (like Crisco)
3 sticks butter
5 eggs
3 c. sugar
3 c. flour
1 c. nuts, chopped
1/4 tsp. salt
1 sm. can evaporated milk, plus water to make 1 cup
1/2 tbsp. vanilla
1 (10 oz.) jar Maraschino cherries, drained, cut up

Cream shortening, butter, sugar, and salt until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beat well after each. Reserve 1/4 cup flour to mix with nuts and cherries. The remaining 2 3/4 cup flour add alternately with liquid starting and ending with flour. Add flavoring then fold in nuts and cherries. Bake in a greased and floured tube pan. Start with a cold oven at 250 degrees for 1 1/2 hours, then at 300 degrees for 30 minutes then at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or more depending on oven. Total baking time is 2 to 2 1/2 hours.