CHERRY BITES RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Combine brownie mix, butter, water, eggs and almond extract in bowl; stir just until combined. Stir in 1/2 cup cherries and chocolate chips.
• Place foil mini baking cups into mini muffin pans. Spoon about 1 tablespoon chocolate mixture into each cup. Bake 13-18 minutes or until centers are just set. Cool completely. Remove from pan. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Garnish with cherries, if desired.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. In a medium mixing bowl beat the 1/2 cup butter and the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until combined. Stir in the 1 cup flour. Shape dough into 24 balls. Press the balls evenly into the bottoms and up the sides of 24 ungreased 1 3/4-inch muffin cups.
• For streusel, in a small bowl stir together the 2 tablespoons flour, the walnuts, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Using a pastry blender, cut in the 1 1/2 tablespoons butter until mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
• For filling, in a small saucepan combine the cherries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until cherries release juices, stirring occasionally. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling into each pastry-lined cup. Sprinkle filled cups evenly with streusel.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool bites in pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let cool.