Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups choke cherries, pitted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pie crusts, homemade or store-bought
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Oven thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted choke cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well.
3. Roll out one pie crust and place it in the bottom of the pie dish. Trim the edges.
4. Pour the choke cherry mixture into the pie crust.
5. Cut the butter into small pieces and scatter them over the top of the choke cherry mixture.
6. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the choke cherry mixture. Trim the edges and crimp the edges of the pie crusts together.
7. Cut a few slits in the top of the pie crust to allow steam to escape.
8. Brush the top of the pie crust with a little bit of water and sprinkle with sugar.
9. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Serving size:
This recipe makes one 9-inch pie, which serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 360
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 41g
Sodium: 150mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Choke cherries can be substituted with tart cherries or sour cherries.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with tapioca starch or arrowroot powder.
- Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice or apple cider vinegar.
- Butter can be substituted with margarine or coconut oil.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the choke cherry mixture for extra flavor.
- Top the pie with a streusel topping made from flour, sugar, and butter.
- Make mini choke cherry pies using a muffin tin and small pie crusts.
Tips and tricks:
- Wear gloves when pitting choke cherries to avoid staining your hands.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the choke cherries in half and remove the pits.
- Chill the pie crusts in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling them out to prevent shrinkage.
- Place a baking sheet underneath the pie dish to catch any drips or spills.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover choke cherry pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the pie, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the choke cherry pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar before serving.
- Cut the pie into wedges and arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation.
Garnishes:
- Top the pie with whipped cream or whipped coconut cream.
- Sprinkle the top of the pie with chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans.
- Garnish the pie with fresh choke cherries or other berries.
Pairings:
- Serve the choke cherry pie with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair the pie with a glass of red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the choke cherry pie with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair the pie with a side of fresh berries or fruit salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pie crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- If the filling is too runny, add a little bit more cornstarch to thicken it up.
- If the filling is too thick, add a little bit more lemon juice or water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before preparing the pie.
- Make sure the choke cherries are fully pitted before using them in the recipe.
- Store the pie in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
- Choke cherries are a type of wild cherry that grow in North America.
- Native Americans used choke cherries for food and medicine.
- Choke cherry pie is a traditional dessert in many parts of the United States and Canada.
Flavor profiles:
- Choke cherries have a tart and slightly bitter flavor.
- The sugar and cinnamon in the pie filling balance out the tartness of the choke cherries.
- The butter in the pie crust adds a rich and savory flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the choke cherry pie warm or at room temperature.
- Top the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair the pie with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious dessert.
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