Cherry Amaretto Cream

Ingredients

 * 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
 * 1/3 cup water
 * 1 8 oz. carton dairy sour cream
 * 1/2 cup sugar
 * 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
 * 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
 * 1/2 tsp almond extract
 * 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh pitted cherries, divided
 * 1 cup heavy whipping cream
 * 3 tbsp amaretto liqueur
 * 1 cup coarsely crumbled amaretto cookies
 * 24 whole pitted cherries
 * fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions
In small saucepan, combine gelatin and water. Let stand for 5 minutes. Cook and stir over low heat until gelatin is dissolved. Remove from heat. In blender container or food processor bowl, combine gelatin mixture,sour cream, sugar, lemon juice and 1 cup of cherries. Cover and blend or process until pureed. Pour into a large bowl; set aside. Beat cream and amaretto liqueur until soft peaks form. Remove 1/2 cup of whipped cream for topping; cover and refrigerate. Gently fold remaining whipped cream into cherry mixture. Fold in another cup of cut up cherried and the crumbled amaretto cookies. Divide mixture among 8 individual serving dishes or parfait glasses. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or until serving time. Before serving, top each with a dollop of remaining whipped cream and 3 whole cherries Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Cherry Contest Entry submitted by: Mary Ann Lee