Christmas Cherry Fudge

1 small box cherry gelatin
3 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped, candied cherries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Cook gelatin, sugar, baking soda and milk slowly until sugar is dissolved. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 236 degrees F.

Remove from heat. Add butter. Pour onto a large platter. Cool, without stirring, until lukewarm.

Beat until it loses its gloss. Stir in cherries and walnuts. Pour into a buttered 8-inch square pan.