1 pie dough (homemade or bought) with both a top and bottom, unbaked
1 recipe for fillings (see below)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Cherry filling:
6 cups cherries, stemmed and pitted (36 oz frozen)
3/4-1 cup sugar
3-4 tablespoons Tapioca (more if using sour cherries)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon brandy
Methods/steps
combine all fruit filling ingredients and allow to sit for 15 minutes before pouring into pie dough
Preheat oven to 400F. Rack should be in the center position.
Turn your fruit mix out into the pie dough, including the juices. Scatter the butter pieces over the fruit. Refrigerate until ready to use the top dough.
Roll out the top piece of dough and place over the pie pan (fruit and dough bottom) trim the edges if needed to ½ inch beyond the pan lip. Tuck this underneath itself, so that the folded edges are flush with the pans lip. Flute the edges with a fork, by pressing the prongs down around the edges. Cut 4 slits on the top of the pie. If the pie dough feels soft, place in the freezer for 10 minutes. It is at this time that the pies can be frozen (cover with plastic wrap) for up to 6 weeks.
Place pie onto a baking sheet. And bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top crust is golden, not golden brown, in color.
Reduce oven to 350F and bake an additional 30-40 minutes, until the juices bubble and the crust is a golden brown in color.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 1-2 hours. Allowing the juices time to thicken. Serve the same day you bake it.
This recipe is easy, simple, and offers many possible substitutions. The dough can be used to make blue corn muffins or cornbread. Endless variations for a creative mind.
