• Peach (and Blueberry) Pie

    December 7, 2013 Author: Rachel
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    DSC_0367

    I discovered I had a freezer full of peaches that I needed to use up, which worked out great for my “research” finding the best pie crust!  I didn’t have quite enough peaches so I threw in some blueberries.  I love almond extract with the peaches….so good!

    Recipe adapted from Joy of Cooking.

    Ingredients:

    • Recipe of No Fail Pie Crust
    • 5-7 c. ripe but firm peaches (add other fruit like blueberries if you don’t have enough)
    • 1 lemon, juiced(about 3 TBSP)
    • 1/4 tsp. almond extract
    • 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 to 1 c. sugar (depending on how sweet the peaches are…start with a 1/2, taste, and add more if necessary)
    • 1/4 tsp. salt
    • 3 TBSP butter, cut into small pieces
    • 2 TBSP sugar for sprinkling top
    Directions:
    1. Preheat oven to 400*
    2. Peel and cut the peaches into 1/4-inch thick slices (you should have about 7 cups) and toss with the lemon juice and almond extract in a large bowl. Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt in another bowl, making sure there are no lumps. Stir the flour mixture into the peaches and mix well. Let the filling stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to thicken slightly.
    3. Pour the filling into the bottom crust and dot with the pieces of butter. Top with the crust. Crimp the edges to seal; then cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape; then sprinkle top of crust with sugar.
    4. Put pie plate on a baking dish to catch the drips; then place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes at 400*, then reduce the oven temperature to 350* and bake 30 minutes longer, or until thick juices are bubbling through the vents in the crust. If crust gets too dark, place foil around the edges and continue cooking.  Cool completely (or almost completely) on a rack.
    Peach (and Blueberry) Pie:
    5star

  • No Fail Pie Crust

    December 7, 2013 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    DSC_0377

    I thought I found the perfect pie crust, but I found one that is even closer to Grandma’s pie crust.  This recipe will replace all pie crust recipes.  I will look no further.  This is it folks…happy dance!!!!

    Recipe from Michelle’s Tasty Creations.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 c. all purpose flour
    • 1/2 c. butter, unsalted, cold and cut into cubes
    • 1/2 c. butter flavored Crisco, cold, cut into cubes
    • 1 tsp. Kosher salt
    • 1 TBSP sugar
    • 1/3 – 1/2 c. ice water

    Directions:

    1. In a bowl mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
    2. Add the cubed butter and shortening and using a pastry blender cut into the flour until it’s the size of small peas.
    3. Add the ice water (removing the ice first and discard) a little at a time and using a knife or your clean hands lightly mix until the mixture sticks together in a ball.  It should be neither wet nor dry but a happy medium.
    4. Place two discs of dough into plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour.
    5. To roll out the pie crust, place a small amount of flour on a piece of parchment on the counter and roll from the center outward.  Turning the crust continuously so you get an even (ish) circle.  Note ~ When rolling this dough out there will be bits of butter and shortening in the dough.  This makes it flaky.
    6. Using your rolling pin, roll the dough right up on the pin and transfer to pie dish.
    7. Turn edges under a little bit and crimp for a fluted edge.
    8. Makes a two crust pie.

    No Fail Pie Crust:

    5star