Cherry Bomb Pie Dive
Lock your sights on some seriously good pie - bursting with Washington's own, famously tart cherries. It's a pie ace in the hole!
Top 5 for Seattle
Who Should Try This Dish?
This dish is ideal for anyone who appreciates classic desserts, especially lovers of fruit-based pies. It appeals to those who enjoy both sweet and tart flavors, making it a perfect choice for adventurers seeking a traditional Americana treat. It's also suitable for vegetarians, although it may not be gluten-free.
Flavor Profile
Expect a delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors from the cherries, perfectly balanced with the buttery, flaky crust. The addition of lemon juice offers a subtle tang, while the sugar rounds out the profile with sweetness, creating an inviting dessert that's both refreshing and comforting.
Things to Eat with It
Cherry Bomb Pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, as the creaminess balances the tartness of the cherries. A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds richness, while a glass of sweet Riesling wine can complement the flavors beautifully, enhancing the dining experience.
What's in It?
- Tart cherries: The star ingredient, providing a robust sweet and sour flavor.
- Pie crust: A buttery and flaky base that complements the cherries.
- Sugar: Used to sweeten the filling and enhance the cherries' natural flavors.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener to create the perfect filling consistency.
- Lemon juice: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the cherries.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
How It's Made
Preparing Cherry Bomb Pie involves making a buttery crust, which is rolled out and placed in a pie dish. The tart cherries are combined with sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice to create a flavorful filling, which is poured into the crust. The pie is then topped with another layer of crust or a lattice top before being baked until golden brown and bubbly.
Interesting Info about the Challenge
The Cherry Bomb Pie Dive offers you a chance to indulge in a pie that represents the spirit of Washington State's cherry season. Imagine taking a plunge into a contest where you savor the delightful contrast of tart cherries against a perfectly baked pie crust, all while being surrounded by the vibrant food culture of Seattle. This challenge not only celebrates the pie itself but also connects you to local traditions and the flavors of the Pacific Northwest, making every bite a unique experience. Whether you're a pie aficionado or a casual dessert lover, this challenge is sure to be an unforgettable adventure!
Regional Variations
Classic Cherry Pie
The traditional cherry pie is often made with sweet cherries instead of tart cherries, resulting in a sweeter flavor profile.
Lattice Top Cherry Pie
A variation featuring a decorative lattice crust on top allows for a beautifully baked pie while letting the filling peek through, enhancing presentation and texture.
Dutch Cherry Pie
This version uses a crumb topping made from butter, flour, and sugar instead of a top crust, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts the soft filling.
Local Traditions or Rituals Around the Dish
Today, Cherry Bomb Pie is often featured at local events and farmers' markets, celebrating the cherry harvesting season in Washington. Many family recipes have been passed down through generations, creating a sense of community among pie lovers. The dessert is also a staple in bakeries across Seattle, where locals and tourists alike indulge in this quintessentially American dessert during the summer months. It's common to enjoy Cherry Bomb Pie alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, further enhancing its consumption as a beloved treat for warm weather gatherings.
History of the Dish
The Cherry Bomb Pie is a modern twist on traditional cherry pies that date back to colonial America, where settlers used the abundantly available cherries to create delicious desserts. Washington state is renowned for its tart cherries, particularly the Montmorency variety, which became the foundation for many cherry recipes. Over time, as pie-making evolved, variations of the original recipes emerged, adapting them to regional tastes and preferences. In recent years, this dish has gained popularity as part of local festivals celebrating Washington's agriculture, emphasizing the pie's ties to the state's farming heritage.
Interesting Facts About It
The Cherry U-Pick Trend
In Washington, many farms allow visitors to pick their own cherries during the harvest season. This interactive experience not only provides fresh ingredients for making pies but also connects people with local agriculture.
Cultural Significance
Cherry pie is often seen as a symbol of Americana and has even inspired national events, such as National Cherry Pie Day, celebrated annually on February 20th.
A Local Favorite
Seattle is home to several pie shops where Cherry Bomb Pie reigns as a favorite dessert, showcasing regional pride and culinary creativity. Many bakeries offer unique twists on the classic recipe, incorporating different spices or crusts.
Award-Winning Recipe
Some local chefs have entered their Cherry Bomb Pie in competitions, earning awards for their innovative takes on this classic dessert, proving its enduring popularity and versatility.