Preheat oven to 375°F.

Grease an 8 X 8 inch baking dish and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, butter and cinnamon.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and let simmer for a few minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Remove from the heat and stir in the almond extract.

In a large bowl, prepare the dough by combining the sugar, baking powder and salt.

Add the butter or shortening and mix well.

Add the flour, water and vanilla and stir only until lightly blended.

Spread the dough evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.

Spoon the cherry mixture over the dough.

Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the juices are thickened and the dough is turning golden.

Serve warm with ice cream if desired.