Cherry Pecan Bread

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup chopped pecans
1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in pecans, cherries and vanilla. Pour into a greased and floured 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pan.

Bake at 350° for 65-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Makes 1 loaf.