Merry Cherry Squares

You will need:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cup margarine or butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg
• 2 cups All-Purpose flour
• ¾ cup coarsely chopped red candied cherries
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped chocolate candies
• Glaze (see below)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 300 F.
• Mix sugar, margarine, almond extract and egg in large bowl until well blended.
• Stir in flour, ½ cup of cherries and the salt.
• Spread on ungreased jelly roll pan, 15 ½ x 1 inch.
• Sprinkle with remaining cherries and the candies, press lightly.
• Bake until very light brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely; drizzle with glaze.
• Cut into about 2-inch squares. Makes 40 squares

Glaze:

Mix 1 cup powdered sugar and 5 to 6 teaspoons warm water until smooth and of desired consistency