Cherry Pie

So for my first post I thought I would spice up a cherry pie. 
I didn't have enough money to buy the ingredients for homemade cherry filling but i have a couple things around the house that I am going to use to spice up the store bought mix and make it my own :). 

First things first. PIE CRUST.
Making this use to intimidate me so much that I wouldn't even attempt it so I would have to wait until the holidays to have homemade pie. But since school and numerous attempts at failed crusts I believe I have came up with a great recipe!

When i make dough I use a kitchen aid mixer, I find its easier to use and quicker. some people use a food processor with the blade, and others still use the "old-school" way and mix by hand. every way works well. But I have one thing I can't stress enough when it comes to making it by hand.. Do not mix the dough like your needing it, just mix it enough to incorporate everything until it becomes a loose ball. Once it has done that then flip it out on a clean counter or cutting board and form it into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour or until firm. 

Pie crust recipe:
2 cups all purpose flour
Pinch of salt
Splash of vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup cold butter, lard, or shortening.
enough ice water to make the dough come together. (eye ball it. not so much to make it sticky, and not so little to make it dry.)

Pie Filling:
1 can of cherry pie filling
1 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 tsp zest of a lemon.

Once you dough is chilled, separate it into two (one for top, one for bottom) Make the bottom half slightly bigger & pound it out with your rolling pin in a perfect circle, this will help you keep the round shape. Roll until your desired crust thickness & place into your pie dish.  Add your pie filling and then roll your top out, or get creative with the top!, remember people first eat with their eyes then their mouths. Brush the top of your pie with a bit of egg wash (1 egg and a splash of water) and sprinkle with a bit of white sugar. 
 Pre-heat your oven to 375. & bake for 50-60 mins or until golden and the bottom crust looks golden on the bottom.