Introduction
Blueberry Bliss Pie
Celebrate a special occasion with this delightful Blueberry Bliss Pie, perfect for mid-February gatherings. This pie combines a buttery, flaky crust with a luscious blueberry filling that’s bursting with freshness.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour: 250 grams
Granulated sugar: 200 grams
Unsalted butter: 150 grams, chilled and cubed
Ice water: 60 ml
Fresh blueberries: 600 grams
Cornstarch: 25 grams
Lemon juice: 15 ml
Salt: 1 gram
Egg: 1, lightly beaten for egg wash
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Cut in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place the rolled dough into the pie plate, trimming excess over the edges.
4. In another bowl, mix blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Pour this blueberry mixture into the prepared pie crust.
5. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the blueberry filling. Trim and crimp edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to vent. Brush the crust with beaten egg.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Let cool before serving.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F). This ensures a beautifully baked crust and properly cooked filling.
Step 2: Make the Pie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 grams of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Cut in 150 grams of chilled, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 60 ml of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Divide this dough into two halves and shape each half into discs. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Bottom Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Gently drape the rolled dough into the pie plate, allowing the edges to hang over slightly. Trim any excess dough from the edges.
Step 4: Prepare the Blueberry Filling
In a separate mixing bowl, combine 600 grams of fresh blueberries, 200 grams of granulated sugar, 25 grams of cornstarch, and 15 ml of lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the blueberries evenly with the sugar and cornstarch mixture. Then, pour this deliciously vibrant mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Step 5: Top Crust and Venting
Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the blueberry filling. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, then crimp the edges using your fingers to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, creating a beautiful lattice-like effect. Finally, brush the crust with a lightly beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You want to see a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking time to avoid over-browning. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool before serving.
Notes
Ingredient Quality
Using fresh blueberries will create the best flavor and texture in the pie. Opting for in-season berries will enhance sweetness.
Dough Handling
Avoid overworking the dough when mixing and rolling it out to maintain flakiness. If the dough becomes too warm, refrigerate it for a few minutes before proceeding.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is delicious enjoyed on its own but serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the tartness beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Leftover pie should be covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated gently in the oven.
Cook techniques
Making the Pie Crust
To create a flaky pie crust, it’s essential to use cold butter and minimal mixing. This ensures that the dough remains tender. After mixing the flour and salt, cut the chilled butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, then add ice water gradually.
Rolling Out Dough
When rolling out the dough, use a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Roll from the center outwards and turn the dough occasionally to maintain an even thickness.
Preparing the Filling
Mix the blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice gently to retain their shape. This mixture should be combined until the ingredients are well distributed for optimal flavor.
Crimping the Edges
To seal the pie, use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges once the top crust is on. This not only seals in the filling but also adds a decorative touch.
Ventilation
Cutting slits into the top crust allows steam to escape during baking. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy pie and ensuring the filling cooks evenly.
Egg Wash
Brushing the crust with a beaten egg before baking gives it a beautiful golden shine. This step enhances the pie’s visual appeal and adds a slight sheen to the crust.
Baking
Bake the pie in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking, which can lead to a dry crust.
FAQ
Can I use frozen blueberries for this pie?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing them with the other filling ingredients.
How can I tell when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the crust is a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling in the center. You can also check if the filling is thickened.
What can I do if my pie crust is too crumbly?
If the pie crust is too crumbly, you can add a little more ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together better.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I make the pie crust in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie crust in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
Conclusion
The Blueberry Bliss Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of fresh blueberries with a perfectly baked, flaky crust. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this pie will surely impress your guests and leave them craving more. It’s an ideal choice for mid-February gatherings or any time of year when blueberries are in season.
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