Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour1/8 teaspoon baking powder1/4 cup cold butter2 tablespoons shortening3 to 4 tablespoons water1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened1/2 cup sugar2 large eggs, room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/3 cup chopped pecansTOPPING:2-1/2 cups fresh or frozen pitted tart cherries or 1 can (15 ounces) tart cherries1/3 cup sugar2 tablespoons cornstarch1 tablespoon butter1/8 teaspoon almond extract1/8 teaspoon red food coloringWhipped cream and fresh mint, optional
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine flour and baking powder; cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.
Roll out into a 14-in. circle. Place on an ungreased 12-in. pizza pan. Flute edges to form a rim; prick bottom of crust. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in nuts. Spread over crust. Bake 10 minutes longer. Cool. Drain cherries, reserving 1/3 cup juice. Set cherries and juice aside.
In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in reserved juice until smooth. Add cherries. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir 2 minutes longer
Remove from the heat; stir in butter, extract and food coloring. Cool to room temperature; spread over cream cheese layer. Top with whipped cream and mint if desired.
