Cherry Pies - A Sweet and Aromatic Delight
Cooking is an art that connects us to traditions, and when it comes to cherry pies, this dish becomes truly special. The combination of the flaky crust and the tart cherry filling reminds us of childhood days when grandmothers spoiled us with homemade sweets. This simple and delicious pie recipe can be made with either canned or frozen cherries, making it accessible all year round.
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 pies
Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 4 eggs
- 50 g of fresh yeast or 2 tablespoons of dry yeast
- 200 g of butter or margarine
- ½ cup of sugar
- 2 cups of milk (you can use plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- A little oil for kneading
Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g of canned or frozen cherries
- 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (optional, only if using frozen cherries)
- 1 egg for brushing
Preparation:
1. Preparing the Dough:
- Start by melting the butter or margarine in a bowl using the bain-marie method. Add the milk and mix until everything is warm but not hot. This step is essential to activate the yeast.
- In a large bowl or in a mixing bowl with a kneading attachment, add the flour, yeast, and sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine them evenly.
- Add the eggs, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Continue mixing, then gradually add the butter and milk mixture, kneading until you obtain a soft but non-sticky dough.
2. Resting the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to rest. It’s best to let it sit for at least 1-2 hours or, ideally, prepare it the night before.
3. Preparing the Filling:
- If using canned cherries, drain them well and let them dry for a few hours. Mix the cherries with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to absorb excess moisture. If using frozen cherries, add sugar to this mixture, as they tend to be tarter.
4. Forming the Pies:
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and knead it a little. Divide it into equal portions and roll each portion into a thin rectangle.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of cherry filling on each rectangle and fold the dough to form a pie. Make sure the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
5. Baking the Pies:
- Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise a little while you preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Brush each pie with a beaten egg mixed with a little water for a golden and appetizing crust.
- Bake the pies for 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and enticing.
6. Serving:
- Let the pies cool slightly before serving. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. They can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a vanilla sauce for a perfect contrast.
Practical Tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the cherry filling.
- Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with 4 tablespoons of water and use margarine instead of butter. Almond or soy milk works perfectly in this dough.
- For a special aroma, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough or the cherry filling.
Nutritional Benefits:
Cherries are known for their high content of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and can have beneficial effects on heart health and the immune system. These pies are an excellent way to enjoy these delicious fruits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How can I store the pies for longer? The pies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! Apples, peaches, or plums are excellent alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.
In conclusion, these cherry pies are not just a culinary delight but also a lesson in tradition and love for cooking. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or a simple afternoon, each bite will transport you back in time, where the aroma of homemade pies was the celebration of every day. Enjoy!
Cooking is an art that connects us to traditions, and when it comes to cherry pies, this dish becomes truly special. The combination of the flaky crust and the tart cherry filling reminds us of childhood days when grandmothers spoiled us with homemade sweets. This simple and delicious pie recipe can be made with either canned or frozen cherries, making it accessible all year round.
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 pies
Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 4 eggs
- 50 g of fresh yeast or 2 tablespoons of dry yeast
- 200 g of butter or margarine
- ½ cup of sugar
- 2 cups of milk (you can use plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- A little oil for kneading
Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g of canned or frozen cherries
- 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (optional, only if using frozen cherries)
- 1 egg for brushing
Preparation:
1. Preparing the Dough:
- Start by melting the butter or margarine in a bowl using the bain-marie method. Add the milk and mix until everything is warm but not hot. This step is essential to activate the yeast.
- In a large bowl or in a mixing bowl with a kneading attachment, add the flour, yeast, and sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine them evenly.
- Add the eggs, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Continue mixing, then gradually add the butter and milk mixture, kneading until you obtain a soft but non-sticky dough.
2. Resting the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to rest. It’s best to let it sit for at least 1-2 hours or, ideally, prepare it the night before.
3. Preparing the Filling:
- If using canned cherries, drain them well and let them dry for a few hours. Mix the cherries with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to absorb excess moisture. If using frozen cherries, add sugar to this mixture, as they tend to be tarter.
4. Forming the Pies:
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and knead it a little. Divide it into equal portions and roll each portion into a thin rectangle.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of cherry filling on each rectangle and fold the dough to form a pie. Make sure the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
5. Baking the Pies:
- Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise a little while you preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Brush each pie with a beaten egg mixed with a little water for a golden and appetizing crust.
- Bake the pies for 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and enticing.
6. Serving:
- Let the pies cool slightly before serving. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. They can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a vanilla sauce for a perfect contrast.
Practical Tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the cherry filling.
- Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with 4 tablespoons of water and use margarine instead of butter. Almond or soy milk works perfectly in this dough.
- For a special aroma, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough or the cherry filling.
Nutritional Benefits:
Cherries are known for their high content of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and can have beneficial effects on heart health and the immune system. These pies are an excellent way to enjoy these delicious fruits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How can I store the pies for longer? The pies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! Apples, peaches, or plums are excellent alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.
In conclusion, these cherry pies are not just a culinary delight but also a lesson in tradition and love for cooking. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or a simple afternoon, each bite will transport you back in time, where the aroma of homemade pies was the celebration of every day. Enjoy!