Sweet Washington Cherry Pie

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh Washington cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 recipe for double pie crust

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and almond extract and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the cherry mixture to the saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the double pie crust according to the recipe directions.
6. Pour the cherry filling into the prepared crust and cover with the top crust. Crimp or flute the edges to seal.
7. Bake the pie for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Cool the pie on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Interesting Facts

• The first recipe for cherry pie was published in the United States in 1796.
• Washington State is the largest producer of sweet cherries in the United States.
• Cherries are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
• Cherry pie is a popular dessert in the United States and Canada.