Cherry Winks

 Cherry Winks.  A Barnes family tradition.

Any brand of corn flakes will do (as Mr. Food proclaims)

 Crush 4 cups of corn flakes. Measure the corn flakes before you crush them. I learned this one the hard way!

 Cut 15 maraschino cherries into quarters.

 Stir together 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside.
Beat 3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened, with 1 cup sugar until very light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla and beat well. Add the flour mixutre and mix well. Stir in 1 cup chopped nuts (I use walnuts), 1 cup finely cut pitted dates (you can buy them this way. Also learned the hard way. Chopping dates is a sticky mess).

 Measure a level Tbsp of dough into a ball. Roll it in crushed cornflakes.

 Place a cherry piece on top and press in.

 Bake at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Notice my new tea cozy in the background.

 Place on a wire rack to cool.

Should make about 60 cherry winks unless someone eats too much dough (that would be me). Won't last long if there is a Barnes man in the vicinity. (Apologies to Chel. But I think you like Spritz cookies better anyway.)