Pita sa višnjama, or Cherry Pie, is a beloved Serbian dessert featuring a flaky pastry crust filled with sweet and slightly tart cherry filling. This traditional pastry is often enjoyed as a comforting treat, particularly during the cherry season when fresh cherries are abundant. The rich, buttery crust combined with the vibrant cherry filling creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It is typically served as a dessert or a sweet snack, and is popular for family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Filling:

• 3 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries (thawed if frozen)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For Assembling:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
   • Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Pie:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Gently transfer the dough to the pan and trim the edges.
   • Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
   • Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. You can use a full crust or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
   • Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

4. Bake the Pie:

   • Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
   • Allow the pie to cool completely before serving.

Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. 1/8 of a 9-inch pie):

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Proteins: ~3g
• Carbs: ~45g
• Fiber: ~2g

Nutritional Summary: Pita sa višnjama is a delicious dessert with a moderate calorie content, primarily from the pastry crust and sugar. The cherries provide some dietary fiber and vitamins. The pie is rich in carbohydrates, which come from both the crust and the filling. It’s a delightful treat to enjoy in moderation, especially when fresh cherries are in season.