SKINNY CHERRY PIE, low-fat, low-sugar, high flavour

WHO CAN RESIST SKINNY CHERRY PIE?

Stock Photo: Skinny Cherry Pie

Pies are often off the menu for the health conscious -- they can be full of fat and sugar.  But not 67's Skinny Cherry Pie. 

The pie fits all the criteria for a fruity treat - it's stuffed full of ripe English cherries and has gorgeous rich pastry.  But it still manages to be low-fat and low-sugar.

Though the pie looks and tastes like an high-cal indulgence, damage to the waistline is reduced.  

67's skinny version has only one layer of pastry and relies on the natural sweetness of the cherries rather than sugar.  For adults, a splash of cherry brandy or cognac adds sophistication. 

The topping is a cross between a cobbler and pastry - buttery and crumbly - but is cleverly arranged in a lattice pattern to reduce fat levels even more.  Portion control also will also minimises calories.  

In North America, Cherry pies are second favourite to Apple. 

Feeds: 3-4 (the recipe doubles easily)
Costs: £4

Ingred:
   1/2 kilo/ 8 ounces cherries
   1-3 tbsp sugar
   Juice of one orange 
   1/2 tsp extract of vanilla
   1-2 tbsp cognac or cherry brandy (opt)

Pastry
   2 oz/65gm self-raising flour
   pinch salt
   1 1/2 oz/45 gm diced, chilled unsalted butter
   2 tbsp double cream 

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 190c, 170fan, 375f,  gas 6
2. Stone the cherries, using a stoning device or one end of a paper clip, extended. Or halve cherries and dig out stone.
3. Place cherries in a 7inch/17 cm or equiv pie plate.  Sprinkle over sugar, vanilla and alcohol, if using.  Add orange juice.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt.  Rub butter into flour by hand or with a processor until the mix resembles peas.  Add Cream, mix well. Form into a dough ball.
5. Place dough between two sheets of floured greaseproof paper.  Roll out to a rectangle the thickness of a pound coin.
6. Cut into strips just over an inch/2 cm wide.  Make a lattice topping (See You Tube).
7. Bake 35-40 mins.
8. Serve warm, not hot with ice cream or double cream.

More fruit desserts NavBar: RecipesII

Please leave a comment in the box below

   

Copyright: This recipe has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.