Nut Nuggets
["1 c. shortening (margarine, butter or Crisco)", "3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened", "1 c. sugar", "1 egg", "1 tsp. almond extract", "2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour", "1/4 tsp. baking soda", "1/2 tsp. salt", "1 1/3 c. finely chopped pecans", "maraschino cherries, drained and halved (optional)"]
["Cream shortening and cream cheese; gradually add sugar, beat until light and fluffy.", "Add egg and almond extract, mix well. Combine flour, soda and salt, stir mixture into creamed mixture. Chill or freeze dough.", "Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in pecans.", "Place on ungreased cookie sheets.", "Gently press in (cherry half) or (pecan half) into center of cookie.", "Bake at 350\u00b0 for 16 to 18 minutes.", "Cool on rack.", "Yields 4 1/2 dozen."]
["shortening", "cream cheese", "sugar", "egg", "almond extract", "flour", "baking soda", "salt", "pecans", "maraschino cherries"]