Maraschino Cherry Pound Cake

1 1/2 cups shortening
6 eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon butternut flavored extract
3 cups white sugar
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped

Frosting:
3 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
1/2 cup flaked coconut (optional)

In a large bowl, cream the shortening and the white sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Add the flavoring.

In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder together. Add these dry ingredients alternating with the milk to the creamed mixture. Stir 3/4 cup chopped cherries into the batter.

Pour batter into a greased tube pan, and bake at 350ºF for 1 1/2 hours.

To Make the Frosting: Cream together the cream cheese and the butter in a small mixing bowl. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar. Stir in the 1/4 cup cherries and coconut. Frost cake when cool.