Cherry pie

Cherry pie - a sweet tradition

Who doesn't love the fresh aroma of ripe cherries combined with a flaky crust and smooth cream cheese? Cherry pie is a dessert that evokes memories of warm summer days and moments spent with loved ones. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family meal or a gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups of flour
- A pinch of salt
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 package of cream cheese (about 200 g)
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 cup of cold water (from the fridge)

For the filling:
- A deep plate of cherries (about 500-600 g), pitted
- 3-4 tablespoons of sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

For finishing:
- Milk, for brushing the strips of dough
- 1 teaspoon of sugar, for sprinkling on top

Preparation:

1. Preparing the crust: Start by creaming the butter in a food processor or with a mixer. Ensure the butter is soft to help achieve a flaky crust. Add the flour, a pinch of salt, and 4-5 tablespoons of sugar to the bowl. Mix well until you achieve a sandy texture.

2. Making the dough: Incorporate the cream cheese and continue mixing. Gradually add cold water until the dough becomes smooth. If you feel the dough is too sticky, don't hesitate to add a little more flour.

3. Chilling the dough: Place the obtained dough on a piece of plastic wrap and form it into a ball. Wrap it well and refrigerate for at least an hour. If you have more time, you can leave it for a few hours or overnight, which will enhance the flavor.

4. Preheating the oven: About 10 minutes before taking the dough out of the fridge, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

5. Preparing the pan: Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into two parts: one quarter for the lattice and the rest for the pie base. Roll out the remaining dough into a sheet about 1-1.5 cm thick, the size of the pan in which you will bake it.

6. Assembling the pie: Grease a baking dish with butter and flour to prevent sticking. Use a rolling pin to transfer the dough sheet into the pan. Trim any excess dough that hangs over the edge and prick the dough with a fork here and there to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the cherries with 3-4 tablespoons of sugar, the cornstarch, and the vanilla extract. This mix will give a delicious flavor and thicken the filling, preventing cherry juice from leaking during baking.

8. Assembling the pie: Pour the cherry mixture over the dough sheet in the pan. From the reserved dough, roll out another sheet and cut strips that you will place over the cherries, forming a lattice. This detail not only adds an attractive look but also a crunchy texture.

9. Finishing: Brushing the strips with a mixture of milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar will give a beautiful, golden finish.

10. Baking: Bake the pie in the oven for about 40 minutes or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test. This means the crust is baked and the filling is well set.

11. Serving: Once the pie has cooled slightly, you can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the sweet-tart flavor of the cherries.

Helpful tips:
- If you don't have fresh cherries, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
- Instead of cream cheese, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor.
- Add a little cinnamon to the cherry mixture for a warm and aromatic taste.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, having anti-inflammatory properties and being excellent for heart health. Additionally, cheese is a good source of calcium and protein.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I substitute cherries with other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with sour cherries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- How can I store the pie? You can keep it in the fridge in a closed container for 2-3 days.

Cherry pie is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of nostalgia. Enjoy every bite and don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 2 and a half cups of flour, a pinch of salt, 150 g of butter, 1 box of cream cheese, 4-5 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of cold water from the fridge, 1 deep plate of pitted cherries, 3-4 tablespoons of sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of vanilla essence.