Traditional Cherry Pie

Sweet, tart cherry pie, a Midwest favorite that always gets rave reviews.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 cups frozen unsweetened tart cherries
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Pastry for 1 (9-inch) double-crust pie*
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Combine frozen cherries, granulated sugar, tapioca and almond extract in a large mixing bowl; mix well. Let cherry mixture stand 15 minutes.
3. Line a 9-inch pie plate with pastry; fill with cherry mixture. Dot with butter. Adjust top crust, cutting slits for steam to escape.
4. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Makes 8 servings.

*Use store bought, ready-to-use pie pastry, or your favorite recipe for homemade pie pastry.

Tip: 2 (16-ounce) cans unsweetened tart cherries, well drained, can be substituted for frozen tart cherries.

Recipe and photograph: Courtesy of Cherry Marketing Institute.