1-1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 cup cherry juice blend
4 cups fresh tart cherries, pitted or frozen pitted tart cherries, thawed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
DOUGH:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening
5 to 7 tablespoons cold water
1 large egg, beaten, optional
1. Preheat oven to 425°. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; gradually stir in cherry juice until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add cherries, cinnamon, nutmeg and extract; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add cold water, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Divide dough in half so that 1 ball is slightly larger than the other.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out larger ball to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer dough to pie plate; trim even with edge of plate. Add filling. Roll out remaining dough; make a lattice crust. Trim, seal and flute edge. If desired, brush with egg wash.
4. Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°; bake until crust is golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 55 min. + cooling
YIELD: 8 servings.
If you're looking to learn how to make a cherry pie, this recipe is the place to start.
Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 466 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.