Cooks Recipes | Cherry Almond-Topped Fudge Recipe

Cherry Almond-Topped Fudge

1 (8-ounce) can almond paste 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk) - divided use Few drops red food color (optional) 1 3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup chopped red candied cherries 1/4 cup toasted chopped almonds*

Line 8-inch square pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan.
In a small bowl, beat almond paste and 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk until well blended. Add food color, if desired; beat until well blended. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until stiff.
Spread chilled almond mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.
Place chocolate chips and remaining sweetened condensed milk in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or just until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Stir in chopped cherries and toasted almonds
Spread chocolate mixture over almond paste layer. Cover and refrigerate until firm.
Use foil to lift fudge out of pan; peel off foil. Cut fudge into squares. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Makes about 4 dozen pieces.

To toast nuts, place in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until nuts are lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Cool. Or, place in skillet over medium heat and toast almonds, stirring constantly, until golden in color. Be careful not to burn nuts.