Cherry Cobbler

Ingredients

• 6 cups pitted fresh cherries (about 2 1/2 pounds)*
• 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon red liquid food coloring (optional)
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• Ice cream

Preparation

1. Bring cherries, 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, 1/2 cup water, and, if desired, food coloring to a boil ina medium saucepan, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in 3 tablespoons butter, lemon rind, and almond extract. Pour into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish.
2. Combine remaining 3/4 cup sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add milk, 1/4 cup butter, and vanilla, and beat at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes. Add egg, and beat 2 more minutes. Spoon batter evenly over cherry mixture.
3. Bake at 350° for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden, shielding with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning, if necessary. Cool in dish on a wire rack 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream.
4. *3 (14.5 ounce) cans pitted tart red cherries can be substituted. Drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup juice. Substitute reserved juice for 1/2 cup water.