Crusty Cherry Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Drain cherries, reserving juice; add food coloring to juice. Combine 1/2 cup flour and 1 cup sugar in saucepan.
2. 2
   Add cherry liquid and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
3. 3
   Add lemon juice and almond extract.
4. 4
   Cool.
5. 5
   Sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, salt and soda.
6. 6
   Add brown sugar and oatmeal.
7. 7
   Cut in margarine until mixture resembles coarse corn meal.
8. 8
   Press 1/2 oatmeal mixture into ungreased 9-inch square pan.
9. 9
   Spread with cherry mixture; top with remaining crumbs.
10. 10
    Bake in moderate oven 30 minutes.
11. 11
    Serve while still warm.