Step 1

Grind the hazelnuts into fine crumbs and mix them with the flour. Add the sugar and salt, then gradually add the whole eggs one at a time, followed by the egg yolks. Add the cream and stir until homogenous, the mixture needs to have the density of pancake dough. Cover with a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for 1 night.

Step 2

Soak the cleaned from pits and handles cherries in brandy for 1 night. The next day, grease a tray with an 8″ (20 cm) diameter and heat the oven to 430°F (220 °C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and mix it slowly. Measure out about 4/5 cup (175 ml) of it and put it into the tray. Arrange some of the cherries tightly in a layer and put the rest of the dough on top.

Step 3

Optionally, sprinkle it with almonds on top. Put the French cherry pie to bake for 30-40 minutes at a moderate heat. After it rises and gains a slightly golden color, it is ready but its good to check for readiness with a stick prior to removing it.

Step 4

Sprinkle the ready French cherry pie with powdered sugar . You can serve it warm or chilled.