4 c. pitted tart cherries
1 1/4 c. sugar
3 tbsp. corn starch
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. almond extract
3 tbsp. shortening
1 c. flour
1 tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. water or milk

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix sugar, corn starch and cherries in a 2-quart saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute. Add cinnamon and almond extract. Stir. Pour into ungreased 2- quart casserole.

Cut shortening into flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, baking powder and salt until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in water or milk. Drop dough by tablespoons onto hot cherry mixture. Bake until topping is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm and, if desired, with ice cream.