White Christmas Cherry-Almond Fudge

From: Midwest Living

Dried tart cherries and sliced toasted almonds give this homemade candy its character.

Servings: 64 pieces

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

2/3 cup milk

1/4 cup butter

12 ounces white chocolate baking squares with cocoa butter, coarsely chopped

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

3/4 cup snipped dried tart red cherries or dried cranberries

3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

1. Line an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan. Lightly butter the foil and set aside.

2. Butter sides of a heavy, medium saucepan. Add powdered sugar, milk, and 1/4 cup butter to saucepan. Bring to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to dissolve sugar (avoid splashing onto side of pan). Reduce heat to medium-low. Boil gently, without stirring, 5 minutes.

3. Reduce the heat to low. Add the white chocolate. If you like, stir in almond extract. Stir until white chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat; stir in dried fruit and almonds. Quickly pour into prepared pan. Chill candy overnight.

4. When firm, use foil to lift fudge from pan. Cut into 1-inch squares. Store in a tightly covered container in refrigerator. Makes 64 pieces.