Cherry Christmas Bread

1 jar (10-ounce) maraschino cherries
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup ripe mashed bananas
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts

Drain maraschino cherries, reserving 2 tablespoons juice. Coarsely chop cherries; set aside. Combine butter, brown sugar, eggs and reserved cherry juice in a large mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed with an electric mixer until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; mix well. Add flour mixture and mashed bananas alternately, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in drained cherries and nuts. Lightly spray a 9x5x3-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven 1 hour, or until golden brown and wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Remove from pan; let cool on wire rack. Wrap in plastic wrap or store in a covered container.

Thanks Vernalisa