Cherry Almond Soda Food

CHERRY ALMOND CHEWS

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl cream shortening and sugar.
• Add the eggs one at a time,beating well after each addition.
• Beat in extract.
• Combine the flour baking soda and salt,gradually add to creamed mixture.
• Stir in coconut and nuts if desired.
• Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
• Place a cherry half in the center of each cookie.
• Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Remove to wire racks to cool.

CHERRY-VANILLA CREAM SODA

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and the sugar.
• Add the vanilla bean.
• Boil over medium heat for 2 minutes or until the mixture has reduced to a thin syrup.
• Remove the vanilla bean; rinse in hot water; set aside to air-dry and reserve for another use.
• Allow the syrup to cool.
• Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts and the cherry juice.
• Pour 2 tablespoons of the cherry-vanilla syrup over ice cubes in a tall glass and fill with soda water; stir to combine.
• Serve with a silly straw.