My Favorite Cherry Pie in the History of Ever

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 5 cups pitted sweet, dark cherries - you'll start with around 2 pounds whole fruit
• 2 teaspoons water
• 2 teaspoons cream or milk
• 1/3 cup tapioca starch/flour
• Double crust 9-inch pie dough
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse, kosher salt