2 c. fresh cherries, drained & pitted
3/4 c. cherry juice (add water, if necessary)
1/2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. butter
1 tsp. lemon juice or almond extract
3 drops red food color (optional)

TOPPING:

3/4 c. rolled oats, any kind
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 c. butter

If possible, pick your own local cherries, store in cold water until ready to pit and use them. Mix cherry juice, sugar, cornstarch, butter, lemon or almond and food coloring in small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Add drained and pitted cherries. Pour into baking dish. Mix topping ingredients well and sprinkle over cherries. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.