Cherry Crowned Gems

• 10 ounces maraschino cherries
• 15 14 ounces canned pears in heavy syrup
• 34 cup granulated sugar
• 14 cup butter or 14 cup margarine, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 34 cup all purpose flour
• 13 cup sliced almonds, opt (plus some for garnish)

1. Drain maraschino cherries.
2. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Set aside.
4. Drain pears and finely chop.
5. Put chopped pears on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
6. Set aside.
7. Combine sugar, butter, egg and almond extract in a mixing bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
8. Stir in flour; mix well.
9. Fold in drained chopped pears and 1/3 almonds.
10. Spoon about 1 tablespoons batter into 24 paper-lined miniature muffin cups.
11. Sprinkle with sugar.
12. Place a drained maraschino cherry on top of each muffin.
13. Bake in a 375 oven for 25-27 minutes, or until light golden brown on the edges.
14. Let cool 5 minutes in pans.
15. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
16. Garnish each with a sliced almond, if desired.
17. Store in a single layer in an airtight container.

maraschino cherries, syrup, sugar, butter, egg, almond, flour, almonds

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/cherry-crowned-gems-445267 (may not work)