Cratchit's Crumble Pie

Desserts in our house are considered to be Christmas fare if they are red or green. Some folks consider that to be a bit of a stretch, but we are easy to please, and I view it as a kindness for red and green desserts that simply don't get enough play during the rest of the year. This simple pie may not make the cut for a formal Christmas dinner but it would be a perfect  addition to a game day spread come the 1st of the year. It is delicious, ridiculously easy to make, and I do hope you'll give this effortless recipe a try at some point during the holiday season.. The pie falls into the tart-sweet category and if you enjoy your desserts barely sweet, you'll love this one. Here is how this remarkable pie is made.

Cratchit's Crumble Pie.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cans (15 ounces each) pitted tart cherries, drained
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1 large Egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)
Streusel Topping
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cold butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2) Combine sugar, flour, cherries, sour cream, egg and almond extract in a large bowl. Spoon into the pastry shell. Bake for 20 minutes.
3) Meanwhile, make topping. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over filling. Cover edges of crust to prevent over-browning.
3) Continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until topping is lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate. Yield: 8 servings.