Easy Cherry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Plain vanilla ice cream is transformed into designer ice cream with the simple addition of cherry juice, Amaretto, maraschino cherry halves and chunks of dark semisweet chocolate. It just doesn't get much easier than this to make a dessert that is special enough to serve company.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, halved, well drained (reserve juice)
2/3 cup chopped semi sweet chocolate bar, pieces about 1/2-inch square
2 tablespoons reserved cherry juice
2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur or 1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream

Cooking Directions:

1. Place cherries, chocolate, reserved juice and Amaretto in large mixing bowl.
2. Soften ice cream in microwave. Microwave on defrost 1 to 2 minutes. (Ice cream should be soft, but not runny.)
3. Spoon ice cream into bowl. Quickly mix until all ingredients are well combined. Place ice cream in container with tight fitting lid. Freeze at least 4 hours.
4. Scoop into bowls to serve.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Recipe and photograph are provided courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.