Cherry Brunch Pie

This brunch pie offers a pleasing marriage of the sweet and savory flavors of pork sausage, sharp cheddar cheese and tart cherries.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/2 pound bulk pork sausage
1 (16-ounce) can tart cherries, drained and coarsely chopped
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4-ounces)
1 cup buttermilk baking mix
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
4 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 cups milk

Cooking Directions:

1. Cook sausage in a large skillet until brown, breaking into small pieces as it cooks; drain off fat. Remove from heat. Add cherries; mix well. Spoon sausage mixture into a 10-inch deep-dish pie plate. Top with cheese.
2. Combine baking mix, basil, salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl; mix well. Add eggs and milk; beat until smooth. Pour over cheese.
3. Bake in a preheated 400°F (205°C) 35 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes. Cut into wedges. Serve immediately.

Makes 6 servings.

Note: If desired, 1 1/2 cups frozen unsweetened tart cherries can be substituted for canned cherries. Partly thaw cherries, then coarsely chop them before adding to sausage.

Recipe and photograph are provided courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.