Heat oven to
350F (175C). Grease a 15 x 10 x 1-inch (38 x 25 x 2.5cm) jelly roll pan.
Beat 1/2 cup butter, shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla together until
fluffy. Sift flour, baking powder and stir together into mixture and blend
well. Add chocolate chips, nuts, coconut and cherries and blend well
(dough should be stiff). Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake 18-20
minutes or until brown and centre springs back when touched lightly. Cool
to lukewarm in pan. Combine icing sugar, 1 tbsp butter, almond extract and
enough cherry juice to make a rather thin icing. Spread over warm layer.
Cut into bars while still warm. Cool.