Amaretto Cheese-Filled Apricots

Ingredients

• 1 package (7 ounces) dried pitted Mediterranean apricots
• 4 ounces fat-free cream cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds, toasted, divided
• 1/4 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Amaretto or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract plus 5 teaspoons orange juice

Directions

• Gently loosen a long side of each apricot, splitting apricots to resemble clamshells. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup almonds, cherries and amaretto until blended. Spoon 1-1/4 teaspoons filling into each apricot.
• Place remaining almonds in a small shallow dish; roll exposed cheese portions of apricots in nuts. Yield: about 2 dozen.

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