Cherry Pie

A bit of cornstarch thickens the syrup in this sweet fruit pie. The secret ingredient, almond extract, mellows any tartness in the cherries for a smooth and juicy treat.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 (16-ounce) cans tart cherries
1 cup granulated sugar - divided use
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 (9-inch) unbaked double pie crust

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Drain cherries, reserving 3/4 cup of liquid; set cherries aside.
3. In a saucepan combine reserved cherry juice, 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt. Cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Add remaining 3/4 cup sugar and cook until glossy.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice and almond extract. Gently fold in cherries; allow to cool.
5. Spoon mixture into unbaked pie crust. Cut remaining pie crust into strips and form a lattice on top of pie. Seal and flute edges; cover edges with aluminum foil. Brush lattice top with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
6. Bake 15 minutes, reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C). Remove aluminum foil and bake 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Cherry Marketing Institute.