CHERRY AND ALMOND RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine cherries, almonds, and 1/2 cup flour in a bowl; mix until fruit is well coated.
• In another bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to blend.
• Cream butter or margarine, sugar, and flavorings together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating for one minute with mixer on high speed after each addition. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with flour mixture. Stir in floured fruits and nuts. Spread batter into greased and floured bundt or tube pan.
• Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 55 to 65 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely. Wrap cooled cake in aluminum foil, and store in cool place for several days to allow cake to ripen.

Steps:

• Combine butter, cream cheese, almond flavoring, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and salt in bowl; beat at medium speed until well mixed. Add flour; beat at low speed until mixture forms dough.
• Shape dough into ball; flatten slightly. Wrap in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm.
• Heat oven to 375ºF. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
• Place sugar, jam and 1 teaspoon nutmeg in food processor bowl fitted with metal blade; pulse until smooth.
• Roll out dough, on lightly floured surface, to 13-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Spread jam mixture evenly over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges. Sprinkle chopped almonds and dried cherries over jam.
• Cut circle into 16 wedges. Roll up each wedge, beginning at wide end. Place cookies onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake 18-20 minutes or until edges of cookies just begin to brown. Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.