Almond-Cherry Gelatin

Festive, almond-flavored cherry gelatin with dark sweet cherries.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) can pitted dark sweet cherries in syrup, undrained
Cold water
2 cups boiling water
1 (6-ounce) package cherry gelatin
1 teaspoon almond extract
Sweetened whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. Drain cherries, measuring syrup. Add enough cold water to the syrup to measure 1 1/2 cups; set aside. Cut cherries in half.
2. Stir boiling water into dry gelatin in large bowl at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Stir in cherry liquid and almond extract. Refrigerate 1 1/2 hours or until thickened.
3. Stir in cherries. Pour into a greased 5-cup mold or a glass serving dish. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Unmold.
4. Garnish with whipped cream just before serving, if desired. Store in refrigerator.

Makes 10 servings.