Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• 1 10-ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream granulated sugar and ½ cup butter.
4. Add eggs and beat until light and fluffy.
5. Slowly add dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating until well mixed.
6. Stir in nuts, cherries, and vanilla extract.
7. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake 55 to 60 minutes. Turn out onto wire rack to cool.
8. In a small bowl, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add water, powdered sugar, and 1 drop vanilla extract. Stir well and spoon over warm bread.