1 c. all-purpose unbleached white flour
3 Tbls. shortening (Crisco butter flavored baking sticks)
1 Tbls. white sugar
1-1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. milk
4 c. pitted red tart cherries (frozen are fine)
1 c. white sugar
3 Tbls. cornstarch
1/4 t. almond extract
1/4 t. ground cinnamon
vanilla ice cream, optional
Combine flour, 1 Tbls. sugar, baking powder and salt; cut in shortening until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in milk. Set aside.
Mix sugar and cornstarch in a 2 qt. saucepan. Stir in cherries, almond extract and cinnamon. Cook stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir for 1 minute. Pour into a lightly greased 1-1/2 qt. square casserole dish.
Drop topping mixture by spoonful’s onto hot cherry mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Serve warm, or if desired, with vanilla ice cream.