Cherry Jewels

   A little different and colorful cookie recipe is one from The Land O Lakes 75^th Anniversary cookbook. The recipe is called Cherry Jewels. The maraschino cherries, well drained, add a nice spot of color and taste to these shortbread type. 

  The recipe calls for Brandy Extract, but I added Almond Extract instead because we like the flavor of almonds with cherries. This is one way to make a recipe your own. You could also add finely chopped nuts; if you are going to do this, I would suggest almonds as they are a little milder flavor and would not overpower the cherry flavor. Like most shortbread type cookies these are better the next day. 

Cherry Jewels

Prep Time 45 minutes - Baking time 10 minutes - Cooling time 15 minutes

2 ¼ cups flour

½ cup sugar

⅔ cup butter softened (real butter works best for the flavor)

1 egg

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon brandy extract

½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained

Heat oven to 350°. In large mixer bowl, combine butter and sugar, beat till light. Add egg and beat in till blended. Add the rest of the ingredients except powdered sugar and mix till blended.

Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely; sprinkle with powdered sugar. 3 ½ dozen cookies.