FROZEN CHERRIES FOR PIE FILLING RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add the cherries, water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; if desired stir in food coloring. , For a lattice-crust pie: Preheat oven to 400°. On a lightly floured surface, roll one half of dough to a 1/8-in.-thick circle; transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim even with rim. Add filling. , Roll remaining dough to a 1/8-in.- thick circle; cut into 1/4-in.- wide strips. Arrange over filling in a lattice pattern. Trim and seal strips to edge of bottom crust; flute edge. Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubble, 15-20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Steps:

• Set oven to 425 degrees.
• Prepare a glass 8-inch pie plate.
• Roll out one pastry into about a 9-1/2-inch circle.
• Gently fit into bottom of the pie plate.
• In a bowl combine the well-drained cherries, 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch and tapioca; toss gently to combine.
• Spoon the cherry mixture into the pie crust.
• Top with remaining pastry.
• Press edges of bottom and top pastry together, then trim and flute.
• Cut a couple of steam vents in the top pastry.
• Brush the top of the crust with half and half cream, then sprinkle with 2-3 teaspoons sugar.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch spills.
• Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes.
• Reduce heat to 375 degrees, continue to bake for about 45-50 minutes longer or until crust is golden and the pie is bubbly (cover edges with foil if necessary to prevent browning).
• Cool pie on a rack, before slicing.