1/3 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. milk
1 #2 can sour pitted cherries (2-2 1/4 c. well drained)
1/2 c. chopped nuts
2 1/4 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream shortening. Add sugar gradually and cream until fluffy. Now blend well beaten eggs. Sift flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda together and stir into creamed mixture alternately with the milk. Blend in well-drained cherries and nuts. Pour into greased and floured 9 x 12 inch pan. Bake in 350°F oven about 50 minutes. Serve warm (cut in 3-inch squares) with hot cherry sauce.

HOT CHERRY SAUCE:

1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1 c. water
Dash salt
3/4 c. juice from cherries
1/4 tsp. almond flavoring

Mix sugar, salt and cornstarch together in saucepan. Blend in cherry juice and water. Boil until mixture thickens and starchy taste disappears (about 10 minutes). Stir constantly until mixture boils but only occasionally after that. Remove from heat and blend in almond flavoring.