2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
1/3 cup white corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla, rum or brandy flavor
1/4 cup quartered candied cherries

Combine first five ingredients in saucepan; bring to a boil slowly, stirring until sugar dissolves. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Boil, without stirring, over medium heat, to 236 degrees F, or until a little mixture dropped in cold water forms a soft ball.

Remove from heat and let stand for 15 minutes; do not stir. Add flavoring; beat until mixture starts to lose its gloss (about 8 minutes). Stir in the cherries and walnuts, then quickly pour into a greased shallow pan. Cool completely and cut into squares.