Chocolate cookie bars topped with a sweetened condensed milk and almond mixture which is sprinkled with chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries.

Chocolate Cherry Bars

1 cup butter
3/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs - divided use
1 1/2 cups plus 1/3 cup all-purpose flour - divided use
1/3 cup chopped almonds
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
2. Melt butter in large saucepan over low heat; stir in cocoa until smooth. Remove from heat. Add sugar, 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups flour and almonds; mix well. Pour into prepared pan.
3. Bake 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, whisk together remaining 1 egg, remaining 1/3 cup flour, sweetened condensed milk and almond extract. Pour over baked layer; sprinkle chocolate chips and cherries over top. Return to oven.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until set and edges are golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
6. Refrigerate until cold, 6 hours or overnight. Cut into bars.

Makes about 48 bars.