CHERRY COBBLER

Steps:

• Bring cherries, 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, 1/2 cup water, and, if desired, food coloring to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring constantly.
• Boil, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
• Remove from the heat; stir in 3 tbsp butter, lemon rind, and almond extract.
• Pour int a lightly greased 11 x 7 inch baking dish.
• Combine remaining 3/4 cup sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
• Add milk, 1/4 cup butter, and vanilla; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes.
• Add egg; beat 2 minutes.
• Spoon over cherry mixture.
• Bake at 350 degrees 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 wire rack 15 to 20 minutes.
• Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.