Cherry Almond Teacakes (Great for Gift-Giving)

Are you looking for something different to give away in your Christmas baskets this year?  I tried this bread last night and my family loves it.  I think it would be a great addition to Christmas gifts. 

This year I am going to be doing a homemade Christmas to further deepen our family's tradition of the season.  My children are going to be getting mostly homemade items and so will some of our friends and neighbors.  I know my neighbors look forward to my homemade treats each year. 

Cherry Almond Teacakes

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup butter softened

3  eggs

3/4 cup milk

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/3 cup amaretto liqueur* -or- 1/3 cup milk and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped, well-drained

Topping:

3 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons melted

1/3 cup sliced almonds

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottoms only of 5 (5 3/4x3-inch) mini loaf pans; set aside.

Combine 1 cup sugar and 3/4 cup butter in large bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy. Add eggs; continue beating until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add milk. Beat until well mixed. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; continue beating just until flour is moistened. Gently stir in amaretto liqueur and cherries. Spoon batter evenly into prepared pans.

Combine all topping ingredients in small bowl; mix well. Sprinkle over batter.


Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool 10 minutes in pans; remove to wire cooling rack. Cool completely.