My Mom used to make the best Sour Cherry Pies.
The Amish Sour Cherry Pie: A Slice of Tradition and Tartness
Amidst the idyllic countryside and tight-knit communities of the Amish, a delectable dessert stands out as a symbol of their culinary prowess: the Amish Sour Cherry Pie. Bursting with the tangy goodness of sour cherries and encased in a flaky crust, this iconic treat encapsulates the essence of Amish tradition and the simplicity of farm-to-table baking. In this article, we dive into the delightful world of Amish Sour Cherry Pie and explore the secrets behind its irresistible allure.
Preserving the Bounty:
At the heart of Amish culture lies a deep appreciation for nature’s offerings and a commitment to preserving the harvest. The sour cherry, with its distinct tartness, finds its way into countless Amish kitchens, where it is transformed into luscious pies. The pie serves as a means of extending the cherry season, allowing families to savor the fruits of their labor throughout the year.
The Perfect Balance:
What sets the Amish Sour Cherry Pie apart is the delicate balance between sweetness and acidity. The sour cherries, picked at the peak of ripeness, lend a vibrant tang that harmonizes with the sugar and spices in the filling. The combination creates a symphony of flavors, where each bite is a tantalizing balance between tart and sweet.
From Tree to Table:
To truly appreciate the Amish Sour Cherry Pie, one must understand the labor of love involved in its creation. Amish families often have their own sour cherry trees, carefully tended throughout the seasons. When the cherries reach their prime, the whole family participates in the gathering process, picking and pitting the cherries together. This communal effort not only fosters a sense of togetherness but also instills an appreciation for the fruits of their labor.
The Art of Pie-Making:
The Amish are renowned for their exceptional baking skills, and their pie-making techniques have been passed down through generations. The crust, typically made from scratch, is a delicate dance of flour, butter, and water, resulting in a flaky, golden shell that cradles the vibrant cherry filling. The cherries, combined with sugar, a hint of almond extract, and sometimes a sprinkle of cinnamon, form the heart of the pie, which is then sealed with a second layer of pastry and baked to perfection.
Time-Honored Techniques:
Amish bakers adhere to traditional methods, eschewing modern shortcuts in favor of time-honored techniques. The cherries are typically mixed with sugar and allowed to macerate, drawing out their natural juices and intensifying their flavor. This step ensures a juicy filling and prevents the pie from becoming overly watery. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality ingredients, the Amish Sour Cherry Pie emerges as a testament to their dedication to craft.
A Slice of Tradition:
The Amish Sour Cherry Pie is not merely a delicious dessert; it is a slice of Amish tradition. Served on special occasions, family gatherings, or shared with neighbors as a gesture of goodwill, the pie represents the essence of community and the importance of cherishing moments of togetherness. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, each bite transports the eater to a world where simplicity and flavor reign supreme.
Preserving the Legacy:
As the modern world encroaches on Amish traditions, the Amish Sour Cherry Pie remains a steadfast link to the past. By passing down recipes and baking techniques to younger generations, the Amish ensure that their culinary heritage endures. The pie serves as a reminder of the values they hold dear: simplicity, hard work, and a deep connection to the land.
Amish Sour Cherry Pie
- 6 cups of sour cherries
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon almond flavoring
- Optional: add red food coloring
- 1 ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 /2 teaspoon salt
- 4 slightly heaping tablespoons cornstarch
Directions
- Blend cherries, lemon juice, almond flavoring, food coloring, sugar, salt, and cornstarch.
- Put in pie shell and dot with butter.
- Put top shell on and cut slits, brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake at 350 until golden brown.
- Let rest before cutting.
The Amish Sour Cherry Pie stands as a testament to the Amish way of life, where the fruits of the earth are transformed into mouthwatering delicacies. With its perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, each bite tells a story of tradition, community, and the enduring love for handcrafted desserts. The next time you savor a slice of this delightful pie, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and heartfelt dedication that goes into creating this cherished Amish treat.