Hillbilly Pie (Old-Fashioned Poor Man’s Cherry Pie)

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 6 to 8 tbsp ice water
• For the Cherry Filling:
• 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Make the Cherry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Stir gently and cook until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to fit your pie pan. Place it in the pie pan, allowing the excess to hang over the edges.
6. Add the Filling: Pour the cooled cherry filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
7. Top the Pie: Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping with your fingers or a fork. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
8. Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This will help the filling set up nicely.