Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened2 cups sugar3 large eggs, room temperature6 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice6 tablespoons water1 teaspoon almond extract3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour2-1/4 teaspoons baking soda3/4 teaspoon salt1-1/2 cups sour cream3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, meltedConfectioners’ sugar, optional
Preparation
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the cherry juice, water and extract; mix well. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beating well after each addition.
Divide batter in half. To 1 portion, add cherries and walnuts; mix well. To the second portion, add chocolate; mix well. Spoon half the cherry mixture into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Cover with half of the chocolate mixture. Repeat layers.
Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean, about 1-1/4 hours. Cool for 15 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
