18 oz. semi- sweet chocolate chips (3 cups)

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

2 T. butter

¼ cup chopped almonds

¼ cup chopped red candied cherries

1 t. almond extract

Line an 8- by-8-inch square pan with foil. Grease foil. In microwave, melt chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave and stir in 15 second intervals until mixture is melted and smooth. Stir in cherries, almonds, and almond extract. Spread into pan. Chill for two hours. Lift from pan and peel away foil. Cut into squares. Store in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature to serve. Makes about 24 pieces.

Editor’s note: Need a quick gift for your book club pals or those at the office? Spread fudge into holiday-themed cookie cutters (as shown above), chill for two hours and then place into individual treat bags. Tie bags with festive ribbons.

Recipe courtesy of Kathy Wilson, Grovertown, Indiana