To Make Crust: In a glass measuring cup, blend egg and lemon juice with a fork.

In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, oil, sugar, vanilla and salt; process until smooth and creamy, stopping once to scrape down the sides of the workbowl. Add flour and butter; pulse about 6 times, just until butter is in pea-size pieces. Add egg mixture and pulse just until dough begins to clump together (Do not let it form a ball.) Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 2 pieces, one slightly larger than the other. Form each piece into a disc, srap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 days.

Lightly oil a 9-inch pie plan or coat it with nonstick spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll the larger piece of dough into a 12-inch circle. Roll dough over rolling pin, then untoll into prepared pan. Gently press dough into bottom and sides of pan. With scissors, trim excess pastry, leaving a 3/4-inch overhand. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the smaller piece of dough into an 11-inch circle. Roll dough over rolling pin, then unroll onto a sheet of parchment or wax paper. Using a pastry wheel, preferably serrated, or a sharp knife, cut dough into 1/2-inch-wide strips. Carefully transfer peper to a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

To Make Filling & Bake Pie:

Position oven rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 425°F.

In a large bowl, toss cherries with 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and almond extract. Spoon into crust.

Weave pastry strips about 1/2inch apart to form a lattice over the filling. Trip strips at edge of pie pan. Turn overhanging pastry up over rim; press to seal and ecoratively flute edges. Brush milk over lattice top and sprinkle with remaing 2 teaspoons sugar.

Set pie on a baking shet and bake for 20 minutes. Cover edges of crust with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 40 to 50 minutes longer, or until crust is golden and juices are bubbling. Cool on a wire rack.