Cherry Pecan Nuggets

1 cup shortening
3 ounces soft cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Maraschino cherries, cut in half

Cream shortening and cream cheese together. Add sugar, egg and almond extract.

Sift dry ingredients together and stir into creamed mixture. Chill dough.

Form dough into 1-inch balls. Dip balls into nuts. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press a cherry half into the center of each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes.