RECIPE of the Day - 4/25/2007

I really love anything made with cherries - especially when there's cream cheese involved - they're sweet, juicy and taste so good. This is a wonderfully rich and delicious dessert that goes with almost everything.



Sweet Cherry Cheese Dessert

1/2 cup cold butter
2 1/2 cups crushed pecans
Shortbread cookies
2 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 (12 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed

In a large bowl, cut butter into crushed cookies until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 18 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Cook on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, combine the pie filling, extract, set aside.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners sugar until fluffy; fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust. Top with pie filling, cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours.