Cherry Selection: Choose fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and preferably tart varieties like Montmorency for a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Preparation: Rinse cherries and remove any pits, then slice them in half for optimal texture in the filling.
Flavor Enhancement: Toss cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to enhance their natural sweetness and create a thickened filling.
Cooking Process: Simmer the cherry mixture on the stovetop until it thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even consistency.
Additional Flavorings: Enhance the filling with a splash of almond extract or vanilla extract for depth of flavor, if desired.
Cooling and Serving: Allow the cherry pie filling to cool completely before using it to fill a pie crust or other dessert, ensuring a firm and cohesive texture.