Black Forest Torte

1 pkg. (18.25 or 18.5 oz.) chocolate cake mix 1 cup (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk) 1 Tbsp. milk 1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling 1/2 tsp. almond extract

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare and bake cake mix as package directs for two 9-inch round layers. Remove from pans; cool thoroughly. In heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk. Cook and stir until slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in milk. Cool 10 minutes. Combine cherry filling and almond extract. Place 1 cake layer on serving plate, top side up. With sharp knife, remove crust from top of cake layer to within 1/2 inch of edge; top with half the chocolate mixture, then the cherries. Top with second cake layer and remaining chocolate mixture. Garnish as desired. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.