Ingredients

• 1/3 - cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, well drained
• 1/2 - cup (1 stick) butter
• 3-2/3 - cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 - cup Hershey’s Cocoa or Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa
• 1/4 - cup evaporated milk
• 1/3 - cup pecan pieces
• 1 - teaspoon almond extract
• Maraschino cherry halves, well drained (optional)
• Slivered almonds (optional)

Line 8-inch square pan with foil. Lightly press chopped cherries between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.

1. Place butter in medium microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 minute or until melted; stir in powdered sugar, cocoa and evaporated milk until well blended.
3. Microwave at HIGH 1-1/2 minutes; stir vigorously.
4. Microwave at HIGH an additional 30 seconds at a time, until mixture is hot, slightly thickened and smooth when stirred. Do NOT boil.
5. Stir in chopped cherries, pecans and almond extract.
6. Spread mixture into prepared pan.
7. Cover; refrigerate until firm.
8. Remove foil; cut into squares.
9. Garnish with cherry halves and slivered almonds pressed lightly onto fudge, if desired.
10. Serve cold; refrigerate leftover fudge.