Cherry Almond Bread Pudding

Yield: 9 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) package Margherite cookies, broken into thirds
• 1 (12 ounce) package frozen dark sweet cherries, thawed and drained, or 1 (16 1/2 ounce) can pitted dark sweet cherries, drained
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 inch square baking dish.
2. Place cookie pieces and cherries in the prepared baking dish; set aside.
3. Blend milk, sugar, eggs, butter and almond extract. Pour over cookies, stirring to coat well; let stand for 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with almonds.
5. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
6. Cool slightly before serving.