Cherry Spumoni

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring
1 cup pitted fresh sweet cherries
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
1/3 cup miniture chocolate chips
1/3 cup silvered almonds, toasted*

Yield: 8 servings

Combine heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and rum flavoring in a large bowl; mix well. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Lightly grease inside of a 9 x 5 x 3-inch baking pan. Cut a piece of plastic wrap 24-inches long. Line bottom and sides of pan with plastic wrap so that several inches of wrap overhang each long side. Remove cream mixture from refrigeratior. Beat with electric mixer on high speed 3 to 4 minutes or until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat. Fold in  fresh sweet cherries, cherry pie filling, chocolate chips, and almonds. Spoon mixture evenly into lined pan. Cover and freeze at least 5 hours or overnight.
 
To serve, quickly dip pan in hot water, immersing just the bottom and halfway up the sides to help release ice cream. Using overhanging plastic wrap for handles, gently remove spumoni from pan and transfer to serving plate. Remove plastic wrap by lifting spumoni with metal spatula. Cut crosswise into slices and serve immediately.
 
*To toast almonds, put them in a large skillet over medium heat. Toast 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until light brown. Set aside to cool.