Count Your Blessings and Your Freedoms - and get tarted up with Cherry Tart

Happy Independence Day.

Let's not forget the sacrifices made by so many for our multitude of freedoms.

We, as a nation, are blessed.

And if you are so inclined, get a little tarted up for the 4th.

Cherry Tart: (makes four, 5 inch tarts or 1 big pie)

Your favorite pie crust (for a two crust pie)
4 cups fresh cherries, washed and pitted (halved)
1 cup of sugar
1/4 cup corn starch
zest of one lemon
juice of one lemon
big dash cinnamon
pinch salt

Stir the sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, corn starch and salt into the cherries. Let rest 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350.

Line your tart pans or pie pan with dough.

Spoon cherry mixture into pan(s). Top with other half of dough. Cut a decorative pattern out the scraps and 'glue' them on the top crust using some milk or cream.
Make a few slits in the top crust to vent the steam. Brush top of dough with milk or cream.

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until filling is bubbling and crust is golden.

A Cook's Notes: 


The Pledge Allegiance: 

I pledge Allegiance to the flag 
of the United States of America 
and to the Republic for which it stands, 
one nation under God, indivisible, 
with Liberty and Justice for all.


When was the last time you recited these words? When was the last time you really thought about the meaning behind the words? I PLEDGE my life, my support, my loyalties to the United States of America. I salute her flag - and all that she stands for. We are ONE nation (black, white, Asian, Arab, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, et al) We are strong. AND we believe and we SWEAR that in our land, there IS liberty and justice for everyone.