2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1 c. chopped pecans
1 c. chopped maraschino cherries

Sift together flour, soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt; set aside. In large mixer bowl, cream together sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla until fluffy. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to creamed mixture. Beat until blended after each addition. Fold in pecans and cherries.

Turn batter into greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Stud top with pecan halves and cherries, if desired. Bake in 350 degree oven for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool. If desired, drizzle with powdered sugar icing.