Cherry, Caraway, and Sage Pie: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Greetings, flavor adventurers! Harvey Tannenbaum here, and I have a delectable treat to share with you today. It all started with a fascination for the rich, bold flavors of cherries and the unique charm of caraway and sage. I found myself wondering how these distinct tastes could come together in a harmonious blend, and the result was our Cherry, Caraway, and Sage Botanical Hot Sauce.

One day, while experimenting in my kitchen, I decided to take this intriguing blend and incorporate it into a classic cherry pie. The outcome? A pie that's bursting with the sweet tartness of cherries, complemented by the warm, earthy notes of caraway and the subtle, savory essence of sage. It's a flavor adventure that’s as unexpected as it is delightful!

Cherry, Caraway, and Sage Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

For the filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Tannenbaum's Cherry, Caraway, and Sage Botanical Hot Sauce
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
     
     

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and Tannenbaum's Cherry, Caraway, and Sage Botanical Hot Sauce. Mix until the cherries are well coated and the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
     
     

3. Assemble the Pie:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess, leaving a slight overhang.
   • Pour the cherry filling into the prepared crust and dot with small pieces of butter.
   • Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal, and cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
     
     

4. Bake the Pie:

   • Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
   • Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.

This Cherry, Caraway, and Sage Pie is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, this pie is sure to become a new favorite.

Until next time, happy baking and even happier eating!

Warm regards, Harvey Tannenbaum