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#### Instructions:
1. **Make the crust**: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap both portions in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the filling**: In a medium bowl, combine the tart cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract (if using), lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved. Set aside.
3. **Assemble the pie**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the larger portion of dough on a floured surface into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie dish. Place the dough in the pie dish, trimming any excess. Pour the cherry filling into the crust, and dot the filling with the tablespoon of butter. Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the filling. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. **Bake the pie**: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to create a golden finish. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
5. **Serve and enjoy**: Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
### Why These Recipes Are a Taste of Yooper Tradition
Both **Pasties** and **Yooper Cherry Pie** represent the hearty, rustic nature of the U.P. cuisine. Pasties were originally designed as a portable, easy meal for miners and workers in the region, while Yooper Cherry Pie takes advantage of the abundant cherry harvests in the area, turning local fruit into a deliciously comforting dessert.
These old-school Yooper recipes not only celebrate the region’s food history, but they also bring a taste of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying the savory goodness of pasties or savoring the sweet and tart cherry pie, these dishes embody the spirit of Yooper culture: simple, satisfying, and full of heart.
### Conclusion
When you cook a couple of old-school Yoopers like Pasties and Yooper Cherry Pie, you’re not just making delicious food—you’re connecting with a long tradition of hardworking people and celebrating the rich bounty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These recipes are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to backyard gatherings, and they’re sure to bring a little taste of the U.P. into your home. Enjoy these Yooper classics, and share the flavors of the North with friends and family!
