With Valentine’s Day celebrated this month, we thought you would enjoy the lodge’s easy version of a chewy brownie with an alpine twist to complement our location above the “Bavarian Village” here in the Cascades. A delicious treat for your special sweetheart!

1 pkg. chocolate fudge cake mix
1 - 21 oz. can cherry pie filling
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. granulated sugar
5 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 c half and half
2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c sliced almonds, toasted lightly

Line a 13x9 baking pan with parchment paper or butter and dust it with flour.
Heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl combine the dry cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract and eggs stirring by hand until well mixed.

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Shake gently to settle.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Remove from oven and cool pan on wire rack.
Cut into 36 bars.
Note: we like to cut on the diagonal to make diamonds for an attractive presentation.

Once cooled, prepare glazed topping:
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, butter and half & half.
Whisk constantly; bring to a gentle boil. Boil for 1 minute.
Remove pan from heat and stir in the chips until melted and smooth.
Pour glaze over the cut bars; garnish with toasted almonds.

Serve to your desired Valentine and enjoy Cupid’s magic!

    UPDATE: Just received a nice review on Chef Tom's Pecan Treats