Step 1

Pit and halve the cherries. Place in a medium pot with ½ cup sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat stirring frequently, until very juicy and simmering, about 10 minutes

Step 2

Whisk the remaining ½ cup of sugar and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the cherry mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until bubbling and thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Dot the top with butter and add the almond extract. Stir together until the butter is melted. Cool for at least 30 minutes. (Filling can also be refrigerated for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature before baking.)

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 425F.

Step 4

On a lightly floured surface, roll one pie crust into a 13-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie pan, letting the excess hang over the edge of the pan. Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust.

Step 5

Roll the second pie crust into a 12-inch circle and cut into 1-inch wide strips. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern and place over the top of the filling. Trim the edges of the pie dough leaving about 1-inch of overhang. Tuck the pie the excess dough under and crimp the edge as desired. Brush the dough lightly with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 6

Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375F and continue baking for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling all over. (Shield the edge of the pie with foil at any time if it appears to be getting too browned.) Place the pie on a wire rack and let cool for a few hours before slicing.