Celebrating President's Day? Have Some Cherry Pie!

Presidents Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February, which always falls between February 15 and February 22. Since the day falls between the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, most people take the opportunity to honor both men. Others celebrate all presidents on that day. (Technically, the third Monday in February is designated as Washington's Birthday, but many states recognize it as Presidents Day.) 

However you decide to recognize the day, we think you should start with a cherry pie!

Fresh Cherry Pie Recipe

• • Prep: 25 min. Bake: 55 min. + cooling
  • Yield: 8 Servings
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Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup cherry juice blend
• 4 cups fresh tart cherries, pitted or frozen pitted tart cherries, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• PASTRY:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup shortening
• 5 to 7 tablespoons cold water

Directions

• In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; gradually stir in cherry juice until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Add the cherries, cinnamon, nutmeg and extract; set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add cold water, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Divide pastry in half so that one ball is slightly larger than the other.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out larger ball to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plate; trim even with edge of plate. Add filling. Roll out remaining pastry; make a lattice crust. Trim, seal and flute edges.
• Bake at 425° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°; bake 45-50 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Facts1 serving (1 slice) equals 457 calories, 17 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 153 mg sodium, 73 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein.