Sweet Cherrie Pie

Tippecanoe Farmers Market held their first Pie Bake Off this weekend.  Ben and I spent Friday evening making pie to join in the fun.  I made a sweet cherry pie for the first time on 4th of July this year.  I was curious how it a cherry pie without tart cherries would taste.  I really enjoyed the more mellow sweet flavor.  So we decided to give this one another try.

The contest rules required home made crust.  I have said before that I don't like to make pie crust.  Well, I think I've finally changed my mind.  We used Barefoot Contessa's recipe for crust and it turned out really well.  I also enjoyed the process.  So I may be a convert to home made crusts.

After the pies were judged, the pies were served to all the market visitors.  Everyone seemed to enjoy.

Sweet Cherry Pie
4 1/2 cups pitted and halved cherries
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. almond extract (I actually used coconut because I couldn't find our almond)

Crust Recipe found here

1.  Pit and halve all cherries.
2.  Use 1/2 cup of the cherries and place in blender or food processor with about 1/4 cup water.  Process into a juice.  Small pieces of cherry can still be apparent.
3.  In mixing bowl, stir together cherries, cherry juice, sugar, brown sugar, flour, and extract.

4.  Place in pie pan on top of bottom crust.  Place top crust and seal.