Curd pie with cherry rings

Curd pie with cherry rings sounds delicious! Here’s a recipe to make this treat:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the Curd Filling:

• 2 cups farmer’s cheese or ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Cherry Rings:

• 1 cup cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (if using cherry preserves)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (if using cherry preserves)
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg yolk and pulse to combine. Add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it forms a smooth ball. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Curd Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare the Cherry Rings:

1. If using cherry preserves: In a small saucepan, combine the cherry preserves with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in almond extract if using.
2. If using cherry pie filling: Simply use it as-is or mix with a bit of extra sugar if desired.

4. Assemble the Pie:

1. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie pan. Gently press the dough into the pan and trim any excess.
2. Pour the curd filling into the prepared crust.
3. Drop spoonfuls of cherry preserves or pie filling on top of the curd filling, then use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cherry mixture into the curd, creating a marbled effect.

5. Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the curd filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
2. Let the pie cool completely before serving to allow the filling to set properly.

Enjoy your curd pie with cherry rings! It’s a delightful combination of creamy and fruity flavors.