Noel Loaf Cake

One last Christmas recipe--I know, I know--it's almost Easter.  Where are my Easter recipes?  Maybe I can get those to you by Christmas!  HAPPY EASTER!

Noel Loaf Cake

1 (6 oz.) jar red maraschino cherries
1 (6 oz.) jar green maraschino cherries
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/3 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Drain cherries well and finely chop.  Press gently between paper towels to absorb excess juice. Set aside

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.  Gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating until the yellow yolk disappears.

Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda.  Stir in chopped cherries.  Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture.  Beat batter at low speed just until blended after each addition.  Pour batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 60 - 70 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.  Cool in pan for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan and cool completely.