Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1 1/4  cups          Sugar
   3      tablespoons   Cornstarch
     1/4  teaspoon      Ground cinnamon
   4      cups          Pitted red tart cherries
     1/4  teaspoon      Almond extract
   3      tablespoons   Shortening
   1      cup           All-purpose flour*
   1      tablespoon    Sugar
   1 1/2  teaspoons     Baking powder
     1/2  teaspoon      Salt
     1/2  cup           Milk

Preparation:

*if using self-rising flour omit Baking powder and salt. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix 1-1/4 cups sugar, the cornstarch and cinnamon in 2-quart saucepan. Stir in cherries and almond extract. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole; keep cherry mixture hot in oven.Cut shortening into flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, the baking powder and salt until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in milk. Drop dough by 6 spoonfuls onto hot cherry mixture.Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Serve warm and, if desired, with Sweetened Whipped Cream.