Chocolate Cherry Cookies

8 (1 oz.) Squares Semi-sweet Baking Chocolate
1/2 C Butter
1 1/2 C Sugar
4 Large eggs
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Ex.
1/2 tsp. Almond Ex.
2 C All-Purpose Flour
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 C Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
1 C Chopped dried Cherries
1 C Slivered Almonds

Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a med. bowl, combine chocolate squares and butter. Microwave on HI in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until chocolate is melted and smooth (about 2 minutes). Let cool.

In a large bowl, beat sugar, eggs, vanilla and almond extract at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Slowly beat in chocolate mixture until combined.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to sugar mixture beating until well combined. Beat in chocolate chips, cherries and almonds. Drop cookies by Tablespoonfuls 2" apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges or cookies are light brown. Let cool on pan for 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.