It’s Cherry Pie Time
It’s cherry pie time…almost and when I received an invitation yesterday to pick the sour cherries on a tree not too far from me, I knew I needed to jump on it before someone else claimed them. I was on the ferry heading to Seattle for a book event when I received a text with this generous offer. I was not going to let an opportunity like this pass me by, so I immediately made arrangements to go visit that tree as soon as I could today. The tree is laden with a beautiful crop and I think they will be ready to pick later next week. I already have some special plans for them. 
When I saw them it reminded me of another day I wrote about a tree I was invited to pick. I’ll be planting my own Montmorency cherry tree this fall and about three years from now hopefully I’ll be walking right out into my orchard to pick a sour cherry pie. I’ll probably write about that, too! I’m nothing but consistent. Right? Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story below and the recipe that you’ll find there, too. It’s one of my absolute favorites.
Just picked pie cherries on Tuesday afternoon, first at a neglected orchard and then — the best part– from my very own 1 year old Montmorency cherry tree!!!! It had a surprising number of cherries on it! Now, to get pitting…….
I hope I am as lucky next year Margery!
I use your recipe for sweet,early cherries too. Some say sweet cherries are not pie cherries. I have climbed that mountain and, I say ANY cherries are pie cherries!
I totally agree Larry! And what’s not to like about cherry pie, right?
i am searching for sour cherries , You would think out here in the rural countryside of LEWIS COUNTY, Wa I could find some soul with a pie tree..I am green with envy that you have a friend with one who welcomes your picking ..I would pay 5 bucks a pound to get some if I could find some ..even dried or frozen shipped to me . If only
I’m surprised too! There’s got to be someone near you. A summer without a sour cherry pie…unthinkable!
So I do have to ask… what is the difference between a regular cherry and a sour cherry? And , most importantly, what is the difference when it comes to high making?
Sour cherry (or pie cherry) is a different species and has more acid than a sweet cherry. The pie is made the same way but you would add more sugar. This link may help you: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_cerasus
Just picked my cherries from my 3 year old Montmorecy cherry tree. It was loaded. I wanted to plant a cherry tree when we first moved here but my husband insisted we would move before that tree ever got a chance to produce. Seven years later I did it anyway and I have just picked enough to make three pies. (they are baked and consumed already 🙂 Let that be a lesson to everyone. If you want to plant a tree just do it! Someone will benefit.
I made the sour cherry pie yesterday!!!! I hunted the cherries down from a farmers market here in New York. Kate, everything you said in the book is true! Your instructions are perfect-the crust was flaky and delicious, and the lattice came out just right. Your words of wisdom on life and pie are ones I read again and again. I just wanted you to know how happy I am about pie. This is the first real pie I’ve ever made, and now it’s all I can think about. Thank you!
Oh Michele, thank you so much for letting me know! One good pie begets another. My wish for you is to make many pies. You’ll make many people happy (and you, too) in the process. 🙂 Kate