Chocolate Cherry Fudge
Ingredients
1⁄3 cup maraschino cherry, finely chopped, well drained
1⁄2 cup butter (1 stick)
3 2⁄3 cups powdered sugar
1⁄2 cup hershey’s cocoa or 1⁄2 cup hershey’s special dark cocoa
1⁄4 cup evaporated milk
1⁄3 cup pecan pieces
1 teaspoon almond extract
maraschino cherry, halves well drained (optional)
slivered almonds (optional)
Directions
Line 8-inch square pan with foil.
Lightly press chopped cherries between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Place butter in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 minute or until melted; stir in powdered sugar, cocoa and evaporated milk until well blended. Microwave at HIGH 1-1/2 minutes; stir vigorously. Microwave at HIGH an additional 30 seconds at a time, until mixture is hot, slightly thickened and smooth when stirred. Do NOT boil.
Stir in chopped cherries, pecans and almond extract.
Spread mixture into prepared pan. Cover; refrigerate until firm.
Remove foil; cut into squares.
Garnish with cherry halves and slivered almonds pressed lightly onto fudge, if desired.
Serve cold; refrigerate leftover fudge.
NOTE: For best results, do not double this recipe.
