Chocolate Chip & Sour Cherry Cookies

I'm moving to the coast at the end of September, which has prompted me to start Operation Pantry Clear-out (OPC). I'm trying to use up as much as I can so I have less to move. Makes sense, right? Next Saturday, I'm throwing myself a little going away shindig and I thought it would be a great opportunity to bake like a madwoman in order to use up all kinds of stuff. Today I started, and this cookie recipe was the first thing on my list. Originally, this came from Tish Boyle's The Good Cookie, but I adapted it slightly since I don't have any white chocolate on hand (and why would I go and buy it, since OPC is in full swing) and I didn't use slivered almonds (again, not on hand so tough luck). My version is hugely delicious, however!



Chocolate Chip & Sour Cherry Cookies (adapted from Tish Boyle's The Good Cookie, page 59)



2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp almond extract

3/4 cup dried sour cherries

1 cup chocolate chips



You know the drill (don't you?). 350F for 15 or so minutes. I got about 3 dozen.



Incidentally, as part of OPC, I also made the blondie recipe right below this post - and used up the rest of my rum! They are very rummy indeed!



EDIT: the cherries are Chukar cherries, and my friend Jodi - giver of great foodie gifts - got them from here.