HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE CHERRY FUDGE

Steps:

• Line 8-inch square pan with foil.
• Lightly press chopped cherries between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Place butter in medium microwave-safe bowl.
• Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 minute or until melted; stir in powdered sugar, cocoa and evaporated milk until well blended.
• Microwave at HIGH 1-1/2 minutes; stir vigorously.
• Microwave at HIGH an additional 30 seconds at a time, until mixture is hot, slightly thickened and smooth when stirred.
• Do NOT boil.
• Stir in chopped cherries, pecans and almond extract.
• Spread mixture into prepared pan.
• Cover; refrigerate until firm.
• Remove foil; cut into squares.
• Garnish with cherry halves and slivered almonds pressed lightly onto fudge, if desired.
• Serve cold; refrigerate leftover fudge.
• NOTE: For best results, do not double this recipe.