Cherry Rum Ribbons

Directions

1. 1
   Combine butter and 1 cup sugar in bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy.
2. 2
   Add egg, orange juice, rum flavoring and salt.
3. 3
   Continue beating until well mixed.
4. 4
   Add flour and baking soda; beat at low speed until well mixed.
5. 5
   Remove half of dough from bowl.
6. 6
   Add cherries and food color to remaining dough in bowl.
7. 7
   Beat at low speed until just mixed.
8. 8
   Divide each dough in half again.
9. 9
   Line bottom and sides of 9x5-inch loaf pan with waxed paper or plastic food wrap.
10. 10
    Press half of cherry dough evenly onto bottom of pan.
11. 11
    Top with half of white dough.
12. 12
    Repeat with remaining cherry and white dough, pressing each layer firmly and evenly.
13. 13
    Cover with waxed paper or plastic food wrap; refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm.
14. 14
    Heat oven to 375F.
15. 15
    Invert pan to remove dough.
16. 16
    Peel off waxed paper.
17. 17
    Place layered dough onto cutting surface.
18. 18
    Cut loaf crosswise into 1/8-inch slices using sharp knife.
19. 19
    Cut each slice in half crosswise.
20. 20
    Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
21. 21
    Sprinkle with coarse grain sugar.
22. 22
    Bake 8-9 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned.
23. 23
    Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to cooling rack.
24. 24
    Variation:
25. 25
    Chocolate Cherry Ribbons: Melt 1/3 cup real semi-sweet chocolate chips over low heat; cool.
26. 26
    Mix into white dough.
27. 27
    Continue as directed.