Cherry Carnival

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) can sour cherries
• 3 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup shortening
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 13 x 9 inch pan.
2. Drain cherries, reserving juice. Cut cherries into small pieces.
3. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together.
4. Mix shortening, 2 cups sugar, eggs and milk; beat until smooth.
5. Blend in flour mixture and cherries; pour into prepared pan.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes; cut into squares.
7. Mix remaining sugar and cornstarch in saucepan. Add enough water to reserved cherry juice to make 1 1/2 cups liquid; add lemon juice and almond extract.
8. Add to cornstarch mixture; boil for 1 minute.
9. Serve over pudding squares, topped with whipped cream, if desired.