Pineapple-Upside-Down Cake

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Grease and flour the sides of a 13x9 inch pan.

Step 3: Melt butter in a microwave safe dish.

Step 4: In the bottom of the pan, pour in the melted butter and make sure the entire bottom of the pan is covered.

Step 5: Sprinkle the brown sugar over butter.

Step 6: Place the chunks of pineapple on top of the brown sugar; also adding a cherry every 2-3 inches, halved side up. Set aside.

Step 7: In a large bowl, beat shortening and sugar until well combined.

Step 8: Add eggs, vanilla and almond extract; beat for another 2 minutes.

Step 9: Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Beat for 1 minute.

Step 10: Spoon or ladle the cake batter carefully over pineapples and cherries.

Step 11: Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in middle of the cake comes out clean.

Step 12: Cool cake in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then carefully loosen the cake from the sides of the pan with a knife, if needed.

Step 13: Place platter on top of pan and invert both. CAREFULLY,lift off pan.

Step 14: Serve cake plain, with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.