Making the Pie

• Prepare the pie dough by mixing flour, sugar, and salt, then cut in cold butter and add ice water until dough forms. Chill for 20 minutes.
• In a large bowl, mix cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, salt, and almond extract until evenly coated.
• Roll out the bottom crust and place it into a pie dish. Add the cherry filling along with all juices.
• Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
• Roll out the top crust and place it over the filling or create a lattice pattern. Cut slits if using a full crust.
• Whisk egg and milk, then brush over the crust and sprinkle sugar if desired.
• Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until filling bubbles and crust turns golden.
• Check during baking and cover edges if browning too quickly.
• Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool for several hours before slicing.