"CHERRY WINKS" Recipe

I know this is past Christmas, but I think you can make these anytime you want to.  Here's the recipe:

CHERRY WINKS

I cup sugar (I used brown sugar)
3/4 cup shortening
2 tblsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 all purpose flour (I used whole wheat for 1/2 cup of the total)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped pecans  or walnuts
1 c. chopped dates
1/3 c. chopped maraschino cherries, patted dry with paper towel
1 1/2 c. coarsely crushed corn flakes cereal
15 maraschino cherries, quartered (?)

In large bowl beat sugar and shortening with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occ. until well blended.  Beat in milk, vanilla and eggs. On low speed beat in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Stir in nuts, dates and 1/3 c. chopped cherries.  If necessary, can cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15 min. for easier handling.

Heat oven to 375, spray cooking spray on cookie sheets.  Drop dough by rounded teaspoons into cereal and coat thoroughly, shape into balls.  Place 2 inches apart on sheet and lightly press maraschino cherry quarter into the top.

Bake 10-15 min. or until light golden brown, Cool 1 min. then remove to cooling racks.