FILLING:

1 c. granulated sugar
3 tbsp. cornstarch
1/8 tsp. salt
3 c. drained tart red cherries
3/4 c. cherry juice
1/4 tsp. almond extract

MERINGUE:

3 egg whites
6 tbsp. granulated sugar
1/4 c. slivered almonds
1 unbaked pie shell, 9 inch

Place 1/3 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt in saucepan. Stir in cherry juice and cook until thick. Add 2/3 cup granulated sugar and cook until glossy. Remove from heat. Add cherries and almond flavoring.

Pour into 9 inch unbaked pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees F. 25 to 30 minutes until crust is golden. Remove from oven and spread with meringue made by beating egg whites with 6 tablespoons granulated sugar. Top with slivered almonds and return to oven for 15 minutes or until meringue is set.