Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375F. In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening or butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.

Sift the salt, flour and baking soda together into a small bowl and gradually blend them into the egg mixture. Mix in the coconut until its well-combined.

Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheets; press each drop down slightly to form a roughly round shape. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, or until theyre light golden brown and just firm to the touch. As soon as the hugs come out of the oven, plunk half of a candied cherry (round-side up, of course!) into the center of each cookie and press down gently. Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack.

Yield: 4 dozen hugs

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