Recipe

After posting about Josiah's birthday pie, I got a few requests for the recipe. So here it is, enjoy!

Cherry Almond Mousse Pie

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, divided
1 square (1 oz) unsweetened chocolate
1/2 tsp almond extract, divided
1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained
1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup cold water
1 pkg. (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds
Chocolate curls, optional

In a saucepan over low heat, cook and stir 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk and chocolate until the chocolate is melted and mixture is thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 tsp. extract. Pour into pastry shell; set aside. Reserve eight whole cherries for garnish. Chop the remaining cherries; set aside. 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. Chill 4 hours or until set. Garnish with whole cherries and chocolate curls if desired. Yield: 8-10 servings