Three types of cherries, sweet, tart and dried, are combined to make one outstanding cherry pie you can be proud to serve.

Triple Cherry Pie

2 1/2 cups fresh, sweet Northwest cherries (about 1 pound), pitted
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries (about 1 pound), pitted
1/2 cup dried tart cherries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pastry for double crust (9-inch) pie
1 tablespoon butter, chopped

1. Combine tart cherries, sweet cherries, dried cherries, sugar, tapioca, almond extract and nutmeg in a large bowl; mix well. Let stand 15 minutes. (It is not necessary to thaw fronzen tart cherries before using.)
2. Line a 9 inch pie plate with half the pastry. Fill with cherry mixture; dot with butter. Roll out remaining pastry and cut into six strips about 1 inch wide and 10 inches long. Weave into a lattice pattern over cherries. Trim edges, pinching top and bottom crusts together.
3. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven 50 to 60 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. If necessary, cover edge of crust with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning. Let cool before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy Washington State Fruit Commission.