Cherries 'n Cream Squares

Hello again. I have been on vacation for eight days in South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado. Now I am expecting my sister and niece to be here tonight for their vacation.

My sisters birthday is July 4th. With this in mind I wanted to make her a dessert for the big day. Her favorite is Cherry Cream Cheesecake which my mom makes for her. I found this Cherries 'n Cream Squares in my Pillsbury Cookbook.

Crust
1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs ( I went with graham cracker crumbs)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/3 cup margarine or butter, melted

Filling

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened ( not hard to do in 90 degree weather)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
21 oz can cherry fruit pie filling
1/4 teaspoon almond extract.

In a medium bowl, combine all crust ingredients; blend well. Press in bottom of ungreased 13 x 9 inch pan; refrigerate. In large bowl, beat cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Fold in marshmallows and whipped cream. Spread mixture over crust. In small bowl, combine pie filling, and almond extract. Spread over cream layer. Refrigerate several hours or until firm. 16 servings.

Lessons I learned:

1. I think I need to take lessons on whipping cream.

2. I think it needs another can of cherry pie filling to cover the top. I am on the way to the store now.

This won't get served until tomorrow, but I will let you know how the birthday girl likes it.