Cherry Almond Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• Almond Butter:
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon slivered almonds, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions:

1. Drain cherries, reserving juice; add enough water to juice to measure 1/2 cup.
2. Cut cherries into quarters; blot dry and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Beat in vanilla.
6. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with reserved juice.
7. Fold in cherries and almonds.
8. Pour into a greased 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan.
9. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
10. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. In a small bowl, combine the almond butter ingredients.
12. Serve with bread.
13. Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices, 1/2 cup almond butter).