Combine cherries, cornstarch and 1 1/3 cups sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat

Bring to a boil

Boil, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until thickened

Remove from heat, cool completely (about 1-1 1/2 hours)

Stir in 1/4 tsp almond extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Stir together flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl

Beat butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar and remaining 1/2 tsp almond extract in a large bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy

Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition

Gradually add flour mixture, beating at low speed just until blended

Spread 2/3 of dough in bottom of a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish

Spoon cherry mixture over dough

Sprinkle with chocolate chunks

Drop remaining 1/3 of dough by tablespoonfuls onto cherry mixture

Sprinkle with remaining 2 Tbs sugar

Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until golden brown

Cool at least 1 hour before serving