Cherries start blossoming on the mid eastern coast of the US around the end of April (thus the cherry blossom festivals in the DC area at that time). They begin blooming more north by latitude weekly. Some of the sweetest I’ve ever eaten come from Michigan. The very sweetest (that I used for this recipe) come from Washington state. There is something about the soil near Hood River maybe it’s the mountain dew or maybe it’s the vegetation but, they are just super tangy sweet. Tang being key.

Rhubarb grows all over the world. In the US it grows wild in the summer in the most northern states. Suited to be cultivated between late July and early September. It is a beaut and quite the treat to behold.

The first step is to pit the cherries. I have heard *cue announcer voice* a million and one ways to pit cherries. Frankly, I’ve tried a lot of different ones. The one I’ve found that works best is the one I grew myself. Just my hands. Plain and simple.

I start by removing the stem then, grab the fruit by either side and just rip open. Seriously. -It’s best to do over a bowl as to collect the juice (very important). –

Next turn the cherry and split in the same fashion. The pit is tightly wrapped it needs to be wiggled out.

A little more digging to pop the pit then, boom it’s out. This is some time later but, so beautiful. Anything that is actually tasty is worth the effort. This is what the amount needed looks like. I’m using a biggish thanksgiving mash potato sized bowl worth. They equal about three and a half cups worth (recipe at the bottom of post). A bit more or less is fine, more is better but, it’s what makes most since for your size pie plate that really should decide it.

After the last cherry is pitted, wash your hands. Right the second you are finished. Cherries will stain your hands quite quickly and quite badly. Scrub as soon as possible to get ahead of the stain setting in. Pretty huh?

Next up is the rhubarb. Peel it. You really should. I know it is more work  but, I’ve found it makes the rhubarb both softer and sweeter. It makes all the difference. Once peeled cut into one inch cubes and add to cherry bowl.

Add the granulated sugar.

Then flour.

Next pink salt and powdered sugar.

Stir well but, gently. Almost more folding than stirring. The texture of the pie filling is best if the pieces are well coated on all sides and still firm.

Fill room temperature crust lined pie plate with filling and top with approximately 1/3 a stick of butter cut into cubes. The butter combines up with the flour to thicken up the filling. Well, and adds some extra unctuous.

Next the pie top. Make some holes in the top crust so the filling can steam out a bit. Use a knife or my favorite, little cookie cutters. Place top on top of pie. Be careful to center. It doesn’t need to be perfect but, very close to centered is very best. Then brush with a solution of 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon of milk (whole perferably) fork mixed together. This will help it brown nicely.

Connect the two crusts. This is important so it doesn’t bubble off. Here I am using just the tip edges of a fork to go around. Once the circle is complete use a knife to cut the extra off the edge of the pie plate.

The last step before we stage the pie in the oven is my Mother’s trick. She always sprinkled the top of sweet pies with a decent amount of granulated sugar. That way when it comes out it sparkles.

Place pie on cookie sheet. If not, it will bubble over which is tasty but, messy. Then wrap the sides of the crust with aluminum foil to keep the quick cooking edges from burning.

Bake for 30 minutes at 425 degrees. Remove the foil. Return pie to oven for another 20 to 27 minutes until crust is golden brown. Voilà.

Let cool at least a little before slicing into and enjoy.

My favorite way to eat any pie is a la mode. Look at that filling. O la la. Enjoy.

3-4 cups of fresh cherries pitted

1 1/2 cups of diced and peeled rhubarb

1 cup of white granulated sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons of flour

1 heaping tablespoon of powdered white sugar

1/2 tsp pink salt

Enjoy.