Chocolate-Cherry Bars

Bars:
1 (1 pound 2.25 ounce) box pudding included
    devils food cake mix
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 eggs, beaten

Frosting:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup milk
5 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 (6 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan or a 13 x 9-inch pan.

In a large bowl combine all the bar ingredients; stir until well blended. Spread in greased and floured pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes if using the 15 10 x 1-inch pan or for 25 to 30 minutes if using the 13 x 9-inch pan or until a wooden pick comes out clean after being inserted in the center.

In a small saucepan combine sugar milk and margarine. Bring to a boil. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, then immediately stir in chocolate chips until smooth. Pour and spread over warm bars. Cool 1 1/4 hours or until completely cooled. Cut into bars.

Makes about 48 bars.