All-American Cherry Pie

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 cups pitted sour cherries
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 10 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut the shortening into the flour and salt with the whisking blades of a stand mixer until the crumbs are pea sized. Mix in cold water. Refrigerate until chilled through. Roll out dough for a two crust pie. Line a 9 inch pie pan with pastry.
2. Place the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a medium size non-aluminum saucepan. Allow the mixture to stand for 10 minutes, or until the cherries are moistened with the sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Lower the heat; simmer for 1 minute, or until the juices thicken and become translucent. Remove pan from heat, and stir in butter and almond extract. Pour the filling into the pie shell. Cover with top crust**.
3. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F (190 degree C) oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

**TIP: Cut out star shapes in the top crust for a festive Fourth of July look.