Butter-Almond Dream Cookies

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (no substitutes)
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Maraschino cherries

Cream butter, shortening, sugar and almond extract. Add sifted flour, mixing gently to blend thoroughly. Shape dough into balls using 1 level tablespoon of dough for each. Press a cherry into tops of each ball, allowing cherry to show slightly. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes, until delicately browned.