Cherry Pie

Delicious Cherry Pie – a simple and refined recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, I propose a cherry pie recipe, a quick and delicious dessert that stands out for its intense flavors and crispy texture. This pie is perfect for serving at a family meal or a gathering with friends. The juicy cherries and flaky crust will turn every bite into a true pleasure. Let's get started!

Ingredients needed:

*For the crust:*
- 300 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 250 g cold butter, diced
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sparkling water
- Zest of one lemon

*For the filling:*
- 1.5 kg fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/4 package (about 60 g) butter
- 50 ml brandy
- 100 ml red wine
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch

A bit of history:
Cherry pies have been made for generations, symbolizing the warm season and bountiful harvests. They have brought joy to people's tables, being associated with moments of celebration and conviviality. The delicious aroma of fresh cherries, combined with a flaky crust, makes this dessert a perfect choice for any occasion.

Making the crust:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold diced butter and use a knife or pastry cutter to incorporate it into the flour until the mixture resembles wet sand.

2. Adding the eggs: Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the beaten eggs, sparkling water, and lemon zest. Mix with a wooden spoon, without kneading, until the ingredients come together.

3. Chilling the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is essential for achieving a flaky and manageable dough.

Making the filling:

4. Cooking the cherries: In a medium saucepan, melt 60 g of butter over medium heat. Add the pitted cherries, sugar, and wine. Let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by half.

5. Thickening the filling: In a small bowl, dilute the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of liquid from the saucepan. Pour the mixture into the cherries and stir quickly, without letting the filling thicken too much. Remove from heat and add the brandy. Let the filling cool to room temperature.

Assembling the pie:

6. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with butter and dust it with flour.

7. Rolling out the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts. Use 30 g of flour to dust the work surface. Roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet, large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the dish.

8. Adding the filling: Place the dough sheet in the dish, raising the edges to form a "wall" for the filling. Pour in the cherry filling, ensuring it is cooled.

9. Covering the pie: Roll out the second part of the dough and cover the filling. You can cut shapes on the surface of the pie to allow steam to escape or simply poke it with a fork. Seal the edges of the two dough sheets to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

10. Brushing and baking: Brush the surface of the pie with a beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Serving:

Once the pie has cooled, cut it into generous slices. I love to serve it with vanilla ice cream or a vanilla sauce, which perfectly complements the intense flavors of the cherries. You can also sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.

Useful tips:

- Make sure the cherries are fresh and ripe, as they will affect the flavor of the pie.
- You can experiment with other fruits in the filling, such as sour cherries or apricots, to add a unique twist to the dessert.
- The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is best enjoyed in the first few days for the best flavors.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid a watery filling.

2. How do I know when the pie is done?
When the surface is golden and crispy, and the filling begins to bubble slightly at the edges, the pie is done.

3. What other drinks pair well with this pie?
A sweet white wine or a cold lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this cherry pie.

Now that you have gone through each step of this recipe, you are ready to try making this delicious cherry pie. Don't forget to enjoy the process and savor every bite! Enjoy your meal!