Cherry Loaf To Cheer You Up!

• 2 cups glace cherries
• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 34 cup margarine, softened
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 34 cup caster sugar
• 14 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 6 lumps of sugar, crushed (optional)

1. Wash and dry the cherries and toss them in a little flour in a bowl.
2. Line and grease a 1kg loaf tin.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, one at a time, using an electric mixer on slow, then medium and gradually on high speed, until light and fluffy.
4. Add sugar and cream well.
5. Then, mix in the margarine, alternating with the flour.
6. Add essence and mix well.
7. Then, toss in the cherries and mix once again.
8. Spoon the prepared cherry loaf mixture into the greased and lined loaf tin evenly.
9. Scatter the crushed sugar, if using, on top.
10. Bake this in the centre of a moderate oven at 160C or gas-mark 3 for 1 3/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the loaf comes out clean.
11. Turn out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
12. Slice and serve.

glace cherries, flour, margarine, eggs, caster sugar, vanilla, sugar

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/cherry-loaf-to-cheer-you-up-75511 (may not work)