Spirited Sour Cherries Recipes

PERFECT SOUR CHERRY PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Press the bottom pie crusts into 2 pie pans.
• Combine cherries, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Let sit until sugar begins to draw out the cherries' juices, about 10 minutes. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Lower the heat; simmer until the juices thicken and become translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in butter and almond extract until well mixed. Pour into the bottom half of the pie shells. Cover with top crusts, crimp the edges to seal, and cut vents into the top with a sharp knife.
• Bake in the preheated oven until crust is golden brown, 45 to 55 minutes.

SPIRITED SOUR CHERRIES

Steps:

• Pack a clean, sterile quart-sized jar with a sterile lid with the cherries. Add the sugar and fill the jar with the eau-de-vie, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Screw the lid on firmly and shake it well to dissolve the sugar. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks before use, shaking it occasionally. The flavor will continue to strengthen over several more months. Once you open the jar, store any remainders in the refrigerator.