Ukrainian almond cherry balls

1 cup butter
1/2 cup confectioners` sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup blanched ground almonds
2 cups sifted flour
Candied cherries
Confectioners` sugar

1. Cream the butter, add the sugar gradually, and continue creaming until very smooth. Stir in the extract, salt, and nuts, and blend the mixture thoroughly. Add the flour and mix well.
2. Take a spoonful of the dough, form into a ball, push in a half of the cherry, and roll into a perfect ball, encasing the cherry completely. Place the balls on a greased baking sheet. Bake in a moderate oven (325 F) for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are of a delicate straw color.
3. While they are still hot, roll them in the confectioners` sugar in a bowl, and place them on a rack to cool. They may be sticky at this stage, but a second dusting with the sugar when the balls are cool but still on the rack will take care of this. For longer storing, keep the balls in a refrigerator.