Merry Christmas Fudge

Merry Christmas Fudge

2 cups sugar
2/3 cup milk
2 Tbs. light-colored corn syrup
2 Tbs. butter or margarine
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chopped candied red cherries

Line an 8x8 pan or 9x5 loaf pan with foil. Butter foil and set aside Butter sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Add sugar, milk and corn syrup to the saucepan. Cook and stir over medium-high heat till the syrup mixture in the saucepan comes to a boil. Carefully clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Cook and stir the mixture over medium-low heat for about 12 minutes or till mixture reaches 234 degrees (softball stage). Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the butter and almond extract. Beat till fudge begins to thicken. Quickly stir in the walnuts and cherries. Continue beating for about 8 minutes more or till fudge no longer is glossy. Turn the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Score the fudge into squares while warm. Cool and cut. Top with additional cherries, if you like. Makes about 1/3 pound.