Recipe for cooking cherry almond mousse pie

Desserts to Go with Coffee and Tea :: Perfect Pies

Cherry Almond Mousse Pie

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, divided
1 (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
1/2 tsp. almond extract or flavoring, divided
1 (9-in.) pastry shell, baked
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 c. cold water
1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 c. dairy whipping cream, whipped
1/2 c. chopped toasted almonds
Chocolate curls, optional

In a saucepan over low heat, cook and stir 1/2 c. milk and chocolate until the chocolate is melted and mixture is thickened, about 4-5 mins.. Stir in 1/4 tsp. extract or flavoring. Pour into pastry shell. Set aside. Reserve eight whole cherries for garnish. Chop the remaining cherries. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light. Gradually beat in water and remaining milk. Add pudding mix and remaining extract or flavoring. Mix well. Fold in whipped cream. Stir in chopped cherries and almonds. Pour over the pie. Chill 4 hours or until set.

Garnish with whole cherries and chocolate curls.

Makes approximately 8-10 servings.