Sunday, December 14, 2008

Cherry Almond Mousse Pie

This is one of my holiday favorites that Mom would make around Christmas. It is always a hit at parties. I even won 1st place with this great pie in a baking competition in college. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - divided
1 square (1 oz) unsweetened chocolate
1/2 tsp almond extract - divided
1 9in pastry shell - baked
1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries - drained & chopped
(reserve 8 whole for garnishing)
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese - softened
1 cup ice cold water
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup heavy whipping cream - whipped
1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds

In small saucepan over low heat, cook & stir 1/2 cup milk and chocolate until chocolate is melted and mixture is thickened, about 4 - 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn mixture. Stir in 1/4 tsp almond extract. Pour into pastry shell and set aside.
In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light. Gradually beat in water and remaining milk. Add pudding mix and remaining extract, mix well. Stir in chopped cherries & almonds. Fold in whipped cream. Pour over pie and chill 4 hours or until set. Garnish with whole cherries & chocolate curls if desired.

Sidenote: Sometimes I drain the juice from the cherries and use instead of water. I don't know that it changes the flavor all that much, but it makes the pie a brighter pink color. I like to think it tastes cherrier!

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