Mini Cherry Pies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups tart pitted cherries, drained and patted dry (from 2 15-oz. cans)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp. quick-cooking tapioca
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 14.1-oz package refrigerated "just unroll" pie crusts (with 2 crusts)
• 2 tablespoons milk, optional
• 2 teaspoons sugar, optional

Preparation

• 1. In a bowl, mix cherries, sugar, tapioca, salt and vanilla; let stand for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 2. Lightly mist 6 cups of a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray, alternating to keep space between them. Unroll 1 pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out to about an 11-inch round. Use a 5-inch round cutter to cut out 6 rounds. Transfer rounds to muffin tin. Gently fit dough into muffin cups, leaving some overhang. Chill for 15 minutes. Repeat rolling with second pie crust, cutting out 6 3-inch rounds. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill.
• 3. Preheat oven to 375°F; line a baking sheet with foil. Stir filling; spoon about 2 Tbsp. into each dough-lined cup. Remove rounds from fridge and cut a small star out of center of each. Place one round on top of each pie. Fold edges of round over the overhanging dough; crimp to seal. Repeat with remaining dough rounds. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with sugar, if desired. Place tin on baking sheet.
• 4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until filling bubbles and crusts are golden brown (check frequently and cover with foil if crusts brown too quickly). Remove muffin tin to a rack to cool
• Perfect for a Memorial day Party..or for Cassie's Big Birthday Celebration Monday.