Cherry Loaf

Years ago I found this recipe in the Mennonite Treasury of Recipes. I baked this pretty pink loaf for special occasions. Over time I have slightly changed up this recipe from the original.

• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 cups flour, divided
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1/2 cup milk

1. Drain cherries, chop and put in a small bowl. Chop walnuts and add to the cherries. Stir in 1/2 cup of the flour to coat the cherries and walnuts. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl combine the rest of the dry ingredients and set aside. 
3. In a medium sized bowl whisk egg, sugar, butter, and almond extract together.
4. Gently stir in the dry ingredients alternately with cherry juice and milk.
5. Pour into a greased 9" by 5" loaf pan.
6. Bake in 350º oven for 1 hour.
7. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before turning loaf out on cooling rack.
8. Let cool completely and slice. Serve plain or with butter and fresh cheese.