Cherry Pie is a classic and beloved dessert known for its deliciously sweet and tart cherry filling encased in a flaky and buttery crust. This iconic pie has been a staple in American cuisine for generations, often enjoyed during holidays, special occasions, and summer gatherings. The luscious red cherry filling, combined with the tender, golden crust, creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures that captivate the taste buds and bring comfort to those who indulge in this timeless treat.

The history of Cherry Pie dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in American culinary traditions. Cherries themselves have a rich history and were cultivated and enjoyed by various ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. When settlers arrived in North America, they brought cherry trees with them, establishing orchards and incorporating cherries into their diets.

The popularity of Cherry Pie in the United States grew with the expansion of cherry orchards, particularly in regions like the Midwest, where cherries thrived. Cherries were harvested and preserved in various forms, including jams, preserves, and pie fillings, to be enjoyed throughout the year.

The iconic image of Cherry Pie became ingrained in American culture and folklore, with references made in songs, literature, and art. One of the most famous mentions of Cherry Pie is the American nursery rhyme “Sing a Song of Sixpence,” which includes the line, “Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie.” While the origin of the nursery rhyme is uncertain, it has contributed to the association of Cherry Pie with traditional American baking.

In the early 20th century, with the advent of commercial pie fillings and pre-made crusts, Cherry Pie became even more accessible to home cooks, cementing its place as a beloved and quintessential American dessert.

Today, Cherry Pie remains a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and celebration in American culture. It is often served on holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July and continues to be a timeless favorite at family gatherings and community events.

INGREDIENTS

FOR CRUST:

• 1 lb (454 g) of shortening
• 5 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• Cold water

FOR FILLING:

• 1 can cherry pie filling

INSTRUCTIONS

FOR CRUST:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine shortening, flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Mix the ingredients with your hands until well blended.
3. Break the egg into a measuring cup and stir it with a fork. Add vinegar and fill the cup with cold water up to 1 cup. Add this to the flour mixture and mix well.
4. Place the dough on the counter and roll it out with a rolling pin on a surface dusted with flour.
5. Use the required amount of dough for your pie and store the rest in a freezer bag for later use.

FOR BAKE:

1. Roll out the dough on a clean, floured surface and drape it across the pie plate.
2. Cut the excess dough around the plate, leaving some to account for shrinkage. Roll out the excess scraps again and cut them into long strips for the lattice top.
3. Preheat the oven to 450° F (232° C).
4. Open your can of cherry pie filling and pour it into the prepared pie crust.
5. Use a thin cutting board to arrange the lattice pattern before sliding it onto the pie and adjusting it.
6. Pinch the edges of the pie to stick the lattice to the bottom crust, creating the iconic crust texture. Place the pie on a cookie sheet.
7. Bake the pie for 8 minutes at 450° F (232° C), then reduce the oven temperature to 350° F (177° C) and continue baking until the pastry is delicately browned.

Serve the Cherry Pie warm or cold, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy the timeless taste of this classic American dessert that has brought joy to countless households for generations.