Christmas Cherry Pie
1 16-ounce package frozen sweet cherries (about 1C\v cups)1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)1 tablespoon lemon juice¼ teaspoon almond extract1 8-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed2 8-inch chocolate crumb pie crustsChop cherries while frozen. Keep frozen until ready to use.In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk; mix well. Add chopped cherries, lemon juice and almond extract; stir just until combined. Fold in whipped topping.Pour cherry mixture evenly into pie crusts. Freeze 8 hours or overnight. Cut into serving-size pieces. Garnish with shaved chocolate, or as desired. Serve immediately; pie slices thaw quickly. Store leftovers, covered, in freezerMakes 2 8-inch pies, 12 servings.
