Chocolate Dipped Cherries

1 (16 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 1/2 teaspoons butter or shortening
Fresh sweet cherries
1/4 cup finely chopped almonds (optional)

Melt chocolate and butter in top of double boiler over simmering water. Remove from heat.

Wash and dry cherries, leaving stems intact. Holding fruit by the stem, dip into chocolate, then dip bottoms into chopped almonds. Place on foil to harden.

Makes 5 to 6 dozen cherries.