ALMOST CHERRY GARCIA COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Plump the dried cherries by soaking them in boiling water to cover for a couple of minutes.
• Drain well and toss with cherry brandy.
• Let the cherries sit in the brandy for a couple of hours, or even overnight for the best flavor, then drain before using.
• Cream the butter with both sugars.
• Blend in the egg, vanilla and almond extracts.
• Fold in the salt, baking soda and flour.
• Fold in the cherries, white and dark chocolate and, if using, the macadamia nuts.
• Batter should be soft.
• Drop in generous tablespoons onto the baking sheets, leaving space between dollops of batter.
• Bake until lightly browned around the edges, 12-14 minutes.
• Cool on racks.