Cherry Vanilla Slab Pie

(NC)—This tender, flakey pastry is filled with delicious California sweet cherries and accented with vanilla. This recipe will feed a crowd… and, who doesn’t love pie?

• 3 cups, all–purpose flour (750 mL)

• 1/2 cup each cold, cubed butter and lard or shortening (125 mL)

• 1/2 tsp salt (2 mL)

• 2 eggs, divided

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (175 mL)

• 1/4 cup cornstarch (50 mL)

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15 mL)

• 2 lb (1 kg) California sweet cherries, pitted and halved (about 6 cups/1.5 L)

Optional Glaze:

• 2/3 cup icing sugar (150 mL)

• 1 tbsp milk (15 mL)

Pulse flour, butter, lard and salt in a food processor until crumbly. Whisk 1 egg with 2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice; add enough ice water to make 2/3 cup (150 mL). Add to the flour mixture and pulse until the dough comes together. Form into an oblong disk; chill for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a well–floured surface, roll dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8–inch (3 mm) thick. Trim dough into a 13 x 18–inch (32.5 cm x 45 cm) rectangle. Carefully transfer dough to a parchment–lined baking sheet.

Stir sugar with cornstarch and lemon zest until combined. Sprinkle half of the mixture evenly down the length of one side of the rectangle, leaving a 1–inch (2.5 cm) border. Arrange cherries evenly over sugar mixture. Whisk 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice with vanilla; drizzle evenly over the cherries. Sprinkle remaining sugar mixture evenly over top.

Fold dough over to cover the filling. Fold an additional 1/2–inch (1 cm) of dough from bottom layer over top layer along the edges; crimp with a fork to seal. Whisk remaining egg with a little water; brush all over pastry. Slash 4 vent holes in top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until golden. Cool completely on baking sheet.

Optional Glaze: Blend icing sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle evenly over the cooled pie. Makes 12 servings.

Tip: Fold dough into thirds or roll around a rolling pin to transfer it, after trimming, to the baking sheet.

Source: www.newscanada.com

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Glazed Apple-Ricotta Tarts
Chocolate cake with raspberries

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