Dessert Recipe: No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie

You only need four ingredients to "bake" this pie. And what is even better is that you need only a few minutes to put it together. Best of all is that you don't have to heat up your kitchen. It's an ideal recipe for a last-minute addition to a family meal or small party. And if you like, you can try one of the variations included at the end of the recipe.

Ingredients:

1 - 8-inch baked pie shell (or 6 to 8 pre-baked individual tart shells - see below)
1 - Family size (5.85 oz) Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding Mix
1 - 21-oz can cherry pie filling
1 - 7-oz can whipped cream or small size container whipped desert topping

Optional:

Chocolate sprinkles or shaved chocolate pieces.

Preparation:

1. Prepare pudding using instructions for pie filling. Pour into 9-inch pie shell. Chill thoroughly until pudding is set.

2. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over pudding. Chill until ready to serve.

3. Just before serving, top with whipped cream or topping. Sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles or shaved chocolate, if desired.

Serves 6 to 8

Variations:

Top pudding mix with fresh whole or sliced strawberries or raspberries. Sprinkle berries with a tablespoon of sugar before adding whipped toppings or garnishes.

Party Tartlets:

Substitute 6 to 8 commercial tartlet shells for 8-inch pie crust. Follow assembly instructions for 8-inch pie, dividig pudding and cherry filling among shells. Top with whipped cream or topping and chocolate sprinkles or shavedn chocolate if desired.