Cherry me up

This cherry cake is one of those things that is great to have on (or in) hand during the holidays. Even better... it can be made up ahead and kept in fridge for entertaining or holiday snacking.

 MUSIC The Troggs

INGREDIENTS
1 c. butter
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. grated lemon rind
4 eggs
1 3/4c all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 seedless raisins*
1/2 c. chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/4 c. flour

* Tip prior to using raisins cover raisins in boiling water and let sit for 5 minutes and then drain. This will keep your raisins plump when you add them into mixture and bake.

INSTRUCTIONS

Set oven to 300˚

Cream butter and cream cheese together, then add sugar and cream well.

Add eggs one at a time beating well after each.

In a separate bowl combine flour and baking powder and blend into the the cream cheese mixture.

Toss cherries, raisins and pecans in 1/4 c flour to coat. Then stir into batter.

Grease and flour a bundt pan, and then pour in mixture.

Bake in oven for 70 - 80 minutes.

Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool then, enjoy. As mentioned above this can be made ahead and kept in fridge.