AMARETTO CHEESE APRICOTS

4 oz. cream cheese

2 T. Amaretto liqueur or 1/2 tsp. almond extract

1/3 c. slivered almonds

1/4 c. chopped dried cherries

30 soft whole dried apricots

Bring the cream cheese to room temperature. Toast almonds on a baking sheet in a 325° oven for 6 to 8 minutes. Let the almonds cool then chop. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, amaretto, 1/4 cup chopped almonds and the chopped dried cherries. Spoon until a small resealable plastic bag. Cut 1/2 inch off one corner of the bag. With fingers, open the apricots along one side. Pipe about 1 teaspoon cheese mixture into each apricot. Finally chop the remaining almonds. Dip the cheese edge of the apricots into the remaining chopped almonds. Refrigerate one hour before serving.