Cherry Almond Mousse Pie

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over low heat, cook and stir 1/2 cup milk and chocolate until the chocolate is melted and mixture is thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon extract. Pour into pastry shell. Set aside.
3. Reserve eight whole cherries for garnish. Chop the remaining cherries. Set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until light. Gradually beat in water and remaining milk. Add pudding mix and remaining extract. Mix well. Fold in whipped cream. Stir in chopped cherries and almonds. Pour over the pie.
5. Chill for 4 hours or until set.
6. Garnish with whole cherries and chocolate curls.

Yield: 8-10 servings