1 qt. cherries
1/2 c. water
1/2 - 3/4 c. sugar
1/8 tsp. almond extract
1 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch

Cook cherries and water for 10 minutes. Heat sugar, almond extract and cornstarch in cherry juice until dissolved. Heat until clear, stir continuously. This is good in place of strawberries on short cake.