Tart with European cherries

 Ingredients:

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 3 cups of  fresh European cherries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tart Crust:

   • In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of ice water.
   • Slowly pour the egg mixture into the food processor while pulsing. Continue pulsing until the dough comes together. If needed, add a little more ice water.
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Roll Out the Dough:

   • On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your tart pan. It should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

4. Line the Tart Pan:

   • Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess.

5. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

   • In a bowl, combine the European cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract (if using), and lemon juice (if using). Toss to coat the cherries evenly.

6. Assemble the Tart:

   • Spread the cherry filling evenly over the tart crust.

7. Bake the Tart:

   • Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the cherry filling is bubbly.

8. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the cherry tart to cool in the pan for a bit before removing it from the tart pan. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

9. Optional Garnish:

   • You can dust the tart with powdered sugar or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.