Cherry Almond-topped Fudge

Ingredients

 * 1 can (8 oz) almond paste
 * 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk), divided
 * few drops red food color
 * 1¾ cups Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips
 * red candied cherry halves
 * sliced almonds

Directions

 * 1) Line 8-inch square pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan.
 * 2) Beat almond paste and ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk in small bowl until blended.
 * 3) Add food color; beat until well blended.
 * 4) Refrigerate about 1 hour or until stiff.
 * 5) Spread onto bottom of prepared pan.
 * 6) Place chocolate chips and remaining sweetened condensed milk in medium microwave-safe bowl.
 * 7) Microwave on high (100%) 1 to 1½ minutes or just until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth when stirred.
 * 8) Spread over top of almond paste layer.
 * 9) Cover; refrigerate until firm.
 * 10) Use foil to lift fudge out of pan; peel off foil.
 * 11) Cut fudge into squares; garnish with candied cherry halves and [[almond.
 * 12) Sliced almonds|sliced almonds]].
 * 13) Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Variations

 * Raspberry almond-topped fudge: Substitute 1⅔ cups Hershey's Raspberry Chips for chocolate chips