WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES AND CHERRY PIE

Remember that song........"What A Difference A Day Makes"?  Well, it certainly applies here in Oklahoma.  Last night it started to rain and blow...........rained all night.  Some time in the night the wind blew over our patio table with the umbrella in it.........It blew upside down and crushed the umbrella.........it was metal!  Broke some glass dishes I had outside and rearranged everything!  Today it has rained all day...........remember just a few days ago when I was complaining because it had been over 100 for what seemed like months!?!?  Strange.

So, you know those cherry pitters?  I don't own one. I have an aversion to all of those gadgets people buy for their kitchen.  I don't even own a food processor.  I have always felt that by the time I get it out and chop things up....and wash it.......and put it away.......I will have "whatever" chopped and ready to go by hand.  Well, I will admit yesterday........I wished I had a cherry pitter. I removed the pits from 4 cups of fresh cherries to make a pie.  Took forever.  But well worth every effort.

Now, I have made alot of cherry pies in my 68 years of life but I am going to give you the best recipe that I have.  I love these old recipes.........this one is a torn out page from the Ladies Home Journal dated July 1999.  I am going to have to copy it as the page is showing some usage.  My note to myself says "The best you have ever made"!

Make or buy your crust.  You need a bottom crust and enough dough for a lattice topping.
Pit your cherries........you really need about 5 cups of fresh or frozen cherries......Stir tog in a big bowl your cherries, 3/4 cup sugar, 3 Tbslp instant tapioca and 1/4 tsp almond extract. Let this sit at least 15 min for it all to work tog.  (45 min if your cherries are frozen)
Okay roll out your bottom crust........place in your pie pan........NOW this is a bit different but important.....beat an egg white til frothy and paint the bottom of your crust with it before you add the cherry mixture. Now, spoon in your filling.  Then roll out your other piece of dough into a square.  Cut this into 1" wide strips.  Take the yolk that you had left from the egg white deal........and beat it with a little water......with your pastry brush....brush all around the edge of your pie dough now start weaving your strips.  This really isn't easy BUT can be accomplished by just taking your time and thinking about it.  IF you just can't do it........just cut out some round pieces and drop them around on top (pretend they are cherries) Flute the edge and brush everything with egg yolk mixture and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake at 450 degrees.......yes 450 degrees for about 50 min.  IF it starts to burn on edges cover with pieces of foil.  I promise you will never make a better cherry pie...........and who doesn't like cherry pies!!  Warm with a little vanilla ice cream...................!