Cherry Pie Take 3

Killer Hedgehog!

Today, Howard and I made a cherry pie. This time without the canned cherry pie filling, and instead using fresh, sweet cherries. He introduced me to the eighties hair-band song "Cherry Pie." That video is so tacky and silly.

Elise is still in Italy, and we had to talk about future living arrangements, so Howard pitted the cherries while I cleaned the living room, waiting for Elise to Skype us. Howard's hands were stained purple from the cherry blood.

Joan (from Tree House) recommended I use Crisco for the dough to make it extra flaky and easy to roll out. "Get ready for some trans-fats!" I told Howard, as we head into the kitchen to finish the pie.

"To Ease the Pain, Detroit" -Love, Jerry Vile

I mixed a fourth cup cornstarch, a touch of sugar, and a teaspoon of salt with the halved cherries, and then took down a bowl for the crust. Even with the shortening, putting the dough in the freezer for a bit (per Aaron), and rolling it out between two sheets of plastic wrap (thanks, Casey!), the dough was cracking and splitting and so difficult to get into the pie pan. I think it may be just too warm to make pies. Howard stopped me and kissed me when I got frustrated.

The dough almost made it across the pan

When I was ready to give up on my project, he said: "Maybe you can make a drink every week, instead. I like drinking, you like drinking, it could be fun! You could make drinks out of whatever you have at hand. Like, rum, coconut milk, and cat food." 

But actually, I think maybe I'll just focus on cakes. The pies always turn out well, but they are so frustrating to make. Before I give up on pies for the summer, I'm going to cooling the dough for longer. I'm not ready to give up. 

I told Howard making a lattice top crust, while beautiful, was going to put me over the edge. He agreed, so I just rolled out the crust and covered the pie. 

Voila.

After dinner at Simone's, we were too full for dessert, so I sent him home with a couple of slices and I'll have some tomorrow.