Cherry Cream Torte

         Yield: 16 Servings
    Categories: Holiday, Desserts

      2 pk 3ounces each lady fingers
      2 tb White grape or apple juice
      8 oz Cream cheese; softened
    2/3 c  Sugar
      1 ts Almond extract; divided
      2 c  Whipping cream; whipped
     21 oz Cherry pie filling
           Toasted almonds and
           -additional cream; optional
 
  Split lady fingers lengthwise; brush with juice. Place a layer of lady
  fingers around the sides and over the bottom of a lightly greased 9"
  springform pan. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; add sugar
  and 1/2 teaspoon extract. Beat on medium for 1 minute. Fold in whipped
  cream. Spread half over crust. Arrange remaining lady fingers in a
  spoke-like fashion. Spread evenly with the remaining cream cheese mixture.
  Cover and chill overnight. Combine the pie filling and remaining extract;
  spread over the cream cheese layer. Chill for at least 2 hours. To serve,
  remove sides of pan. Garnish with almonds and whipped cream if desired.
  
  Recipe by: TASTE OF HOME DEC/JAN 1996