Cheery Cherry Muffins

2 c flour

1/3 c sugar

1/3 c maraschino cherries -- quartered

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt -- optional

3/4 c buttermilk

1/4 c vegetable oil

4 tbsps cherry juice

1 egg -- beaten

1 tsp almond extract

4 tbsps almonds -- finely chopped

3 tbsps sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin cups.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cherries, baking powder and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, mix milk, oil, cherry juice, egg, and almond extract.

4. Make a well in the dry ingredients and stir in liquid just to moisten.

5. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.

6. Combine almonds and remaining sugar; sprinkle over batter.

7. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes.

8. Cool 10 minutes before removing from muffin cups.

9. Makes 12 muffins