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Showing posts with label pie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pie. Show all posts

I Only Have Pies for You.

Here we are.  The beginning of Thanksgiving week...or pie week, as I like to think of it.  

Today, I bring you some of my favorite fall pies, perfect for your Thanksgiving feast.  

Just click the links for the full recipes.

sweet potato pie plus links to several pies perfect for Thanksgiving!
1. Sweet Potato Pie.  It was years before I ever tried making sweet potato pie.  I would pass over pumpkin for sweet potato EVERY time now.  If you don't love pumpkin pie, try sweet potato!

cranberry apple pie plus links to several pies perfect for Thanksgiving!
2. Cranberry Apple Pie.  This has been my go-to pie recipe for years now.  It's beautiful and delicious without fail.  A family favorite.

pecan chewies plus links to several pies perfect for Thanksgiving!
3. Pecan Chewies. Mini pecan pies...without all of the pecan pie goo.  You know what I mean?  These are irresistible.

pie crust primer plus links to several pies perfect for Thanksgiving!
4. Pie Crust Primer.  Nervous about making a pie crust?  Don't be.  It's easy as....pie.

perfect graham cracker crust plus links to several pies perfect for Thanksgiving!
5. Perfecto Graham Cracker Crust. Probably the easiest crust you'll ever make.


The following recipes I have not made myself, but I trust these bakers...and these pies look fantastic!

If you're looking to make something other than pie, check out this round-up of clever alternatives to pies for Thanksgiving!

Happy Pie Week!
What's your favorite Thanksgiving pie?  Tell me (or leave a link to the recipe) in the comments!

Here we are.  The beginning of Thanksgiving week...or pie week, as I like to think of it.  

Today, I bring you some of my favorite fall pies, perfect for your Thanksgiving feast.  

Just click the links for the full recipes.

sweet potato pie plus links to several pies perfect for Thanksgiving!
1. Sweet Potato Pie.  It was years before I ever tried making sweet potato pie.  I would pass over pumpkin for sweet potato EVERY time now.  If you don't love pumpkin pie, try sweet potato!

cranberry apple pie plus links to several pies perfect for Thanksgiving!
2. Cranberry Apple Pie.  This has been my go-to pie recipe for years now.  It's beautiful and delicious without fail.  A family favorite.

pecan chewies plus links to several pies perfect for Thanksgiving!
3. Pecan Chewies. Mini pecan pies...without all of the pecan pie goo.  You know what I mean?  These are irresistible.

pie crust primer plus links to several pies perfect for Thanksgiving!
4. Pie Crust Primer.  Nervous about making a pie crust?  Don't be.  It's easy as....pie.

perfect graham cracker crust plus links to several pies perfect for Thanksgiving!
5. Perfecto Graham Cracker Crust. Probably the easiest crust you'll ever make.


The following recipes I have not made myself, but I trust these bakers...and these pies look fantastic!

If you're looking to make something other than pie, check out this round-up of clever alternatives to pies for Thanksgiving!

Happy Pie Week!
What's your favorite Thanksgiving pie?  Tell me (or leave a link to the recipe) in the comments!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

     I love Thanksgiving.  It is probably my favorite food holiday.  Every year we go to my parents house and mom cooks a giant turkey.  She usually makes a lot of the side dishes as well although in recent years I've been getting home earlier and helping with the side dishes.  My cousin Kristin makes the appetizers and I make the desserts.  The entire family is there and it's just a nice time.

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake-a layer of pie topped with a layer of cake!
      To get to my parents I have to drive 2 1/2 hours.  I usually work a half day on Wednesday so there isn't a lot of time to make creative desserts to take home the next day.  I look for desserts that are easy to make, easy to transport but really, really good.

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake-the easiest dessert you'll ever make!
      Pumpkin is always a favorite at this time of year so I made a pumpkin pie dump cake.  It's called a dump cake because basically you dump everything in a bowl, mix it, pour it, then bake it.  It only takes a few minutes and the result is pretty awesome.  The bottom layer tastes like pumpkin pie while the top layer is crunchy and cake like.  It's like having two delicious pumpkin desserts rolled into one pan. 

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake (slightly adapted from The Country Cook)
2 c. pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
12 oz. evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 c. sugar
2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 box Spice Cake Mix
1 t. salt
1 c. butter, softened 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2.  In a large bowl combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.  Mix well and pour into a 9 x 13 pan.

3.  Add the salt to the spice cake mix and sprinkle it on top of the pumpkin mixture.

4.  Melt the butter and pour over top of the cake mix.

5.  Bake for 55 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.  Refrigerate until ready to serve. 


Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake



     I love Thanksgiving.  It is probably my favorite food holiday.  Every year we go to my parents house and mom cooks a giant turkey.  She usually makes a lot of the side dishes as well although in recent years I've been getting home earlier and helping with the side dishes.  My cousin Kristin makes the appetizers and I make the desserts.  The entire family is there and it's just a nice time.

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake-a layer of pie topped with a layer of cake!
      To get to my parents I have to drive 2 1/2 hours.  I usually work a half day on Wednesday so there isn't a lot of time to make creative desserts to take home the next day.  I look for desserts that are easy to make, easy to transport but really, really good.

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake-the easiest dessert you'll ever make!
      Pumpkin is always a favorite at this time of year so I made a pumpkin pie dump cake.  It's called a dump cake because basically you dump everything in a bowl, mix it, pour it, then bake it.  It only takes a few minutes and the result is pretty awesome.  The bottom layer tastes like pumpkin pie while the top layer is crunchy and cake like.  It's like having two delicious pumpkin desserts rolled into one pan. 

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake (slightly adapted from The Country Cook)
2 c. pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
12 oz. evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 c. sugar
2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 box Spice Cake Mix
1 t. salt
1 c. butter, softened 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2.  In a large bowl combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.  Mix well and pour into a 9 x 13 pan.

3.  Add the salt to the spice cake mix and sprinkle it on top of the pumpkin mixture.

4.  Melt the butter and pour over top of the cake mix.

5.  Bake for 55 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.  Refrigerate until ready to serve. 


Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake



reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Chicken Pot Pie: Daring Bakers

      Hannah of Rise and Shine was our October 2013 Daring Bakers’ hostess and she challenged us to bake our own double crusted savory pot pies. Using any from-scratch crust and filling we choose, we were allowed to get completely creative with our recipe, showing off the savory flavors and fillings from our own home or region.

     I was excited to make the pot pie because the only other time I've made one it wasn't so great.  I mean, it was edible, but it just wasn't great.  I think part of the problem was that I used a traditional filling with peas, which I don't like at all.  This time I went with all of my favorite vegetables including carrots, celery, onions, peppers, and spinach.

      For the crust I decided to make a traditional pie crust for the bottom layer and a biscuit crust for the top.  I would have done a biscuit crust for the entire pot pie, but I find it rises a lot and then tends to spill the filling all over the place.  Having it on top made the chicken pot pie better then ever.  It was crisp, golden brown, and delicious.

      The inside filling was really good as well.  I made my own "gravy" then mixed it with the fresh vegetables and cooked chicken.  My husband enjoyed it as well and in fact told me this recipe was a winner and I should keep it in our rotation. 

Chicken Pot Pie (adapted from Hannah herself!)
For the Bottom Pie Crust:
1 3/4 c. flour
1 t. salt
2/3 c. butter
1/2 c. ice cold water
For the Top Biscuit Crust:
1 c. flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
3 T. butter
1/3 c. milk
For the filling:
2 T. olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 t. salt
1 t. black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 c. fresh spinach
4 T. butter
1/3 c. flour
2 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. fat free half and half
1 t. thyme

1.  Start with the bottom pie crust.  Combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl.  Grate the butter into the flour mixture.  Using your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles wet sand.

2.  Stir the water into the dough and mix quickly.  Turn the dough onto the table and knead 10-12 times or until it holds together.  Pat the dough into a disk then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour.

3.  To prepare the biscuit crust combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.  Grate the butter into the bowl and using your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles wet sands.

4.  Add the milk into the bowl and form a ball.  Turn the ball out onto a table and knead 6-8 times then return to the bowl.

5.  Roll out the pie crust bottom and place in a deep pie dish.  Set aside.

6.  Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet.  Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes or until it is no longer pink.  Remove from the skillet and place in a bowl. 

7.  Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet and add the carrots, celery, and onions.  Saute for 5 minutes.  Add in the peppers, salt, and black pepper and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

8.  Add the garlic and spinach to the pan and cook until the spinach has just wilted.  Remove the vegetables from the skillet and place in a bowl.

9.  In a small bowl combine the butter and flour until a thick mixture forms.  Set aside.

10.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

11.  Heat the chicken broth in the skillet.  Once it begins to boil reduce the heat to simmer and add the butter and flour mixture.  Whisk until combined.

12.  Whisk in the half and half and thyme.  Remove from heat.  Stir in the chicken and vegetables.  mix well.

13.  Pour the chicken filling into the prepared pie crust.


14.  Roll out the biscuit pie crust to just slightly bigger then the top of the pie.  Place on top of the filling and crimp the edges to the bottom pie crust, sealing in the filling.  Cut a design in the top if desired.

15.  Bake for 45 minutes.   Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes.  Cut and serve hot.




      Hannah of Rise and Shine was our October 2013 Daring Bakers’ hostess and she challenged us to bake our own double crusted savory pot pies. Using any from-scratch crust and filling we choose, we were allowed to get completely creative with our recipe, showing off the savory flavors and fillings from our own home or region.

     I was excited to make the pot pie because the only other time I've made one it wasn't so great.  I mean, it was edible, but it just wasn't great.  I think part of the problem was that I used a traditional filling with peas, which I don't like at all.  This time I went with all of my favorite vegetables including carrots, celery, onions, peppers, and spinach.

      For the crust I decided to make a traditional pie crust for the bottom layer and a biscuit crust for the top.  I would have done a biscuit crust for the entire pot pie, but I find it rises a lot and then tends to spill the filling all over the place.  Having it on top made the chicken pot pie better then ever.  It was crisp, golden brown, and delicious.

      The inside filling was really good as well.  I made my own "gravy" then mixed it with the fresh vegetables and cooked chicken.  My husband enjoyed it as well and in fact told me this recipe was a winner and I should keep it in our rotation. 

Chicken Pot Pie (adapted from Hannah herself!)
For the Bottom Pie Crust:
1 3/4 c. flour
1 t. salt
2/3 c. butter
1/2 c. ice cold water
For the Top Biscuit Crust:
1 c. flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
3 T. butter
1/3 c. milk
For the filling:
2 T. olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 t. salt
1 t. black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 c. fresh spinach
4 T. butter
1/3 c. flour
2 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. fat free half and half
1 t. thyme

1.  Start with the bottom pie crust.  Combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl.  Grate the butter into the flour mixture.  Using your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles wet sand.

2.  Stir the water into the dough and mix quickly.  Turn the dough onto the table and knead 10-12 times or until it holds together.  Pat the dough into a disk then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour.

3.  To prepare the biscuit crust combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.  Grate the butter into the bowl and using your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles wet sands.

4.  Add the milk into the bowl and form a ball.  Turn the ball out onto a table and knead 6-8 times then return to the bowl.

5.  Roll out the pie crust bottom and place in a deep pie dish.  Set aside.

6.  Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet.  Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes or until it is no longer pink.  Remove from the skillet and place in a bowl. 

7.  Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet and add the carrots, celery, and onions.  Saute for 5 minutes.  Add in the peppers, salt, and black pepper and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

8.  Add the garlic and spinach to the pan and cook until the spinach has just wilted.  Remove the vegetables from the skillet and place in a bowl.

9.  In a small bowl combine the butter and flour until a thick mixture forms.  Set aside.

10.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

11.  Heat the chicken broth in the skillet.  Once it begins to boil reduce the heat to simmer and add the butter and flour mixture.  Whisk until combined.

12.  Whisk in the half and half and thyme.  Remove from heat.  Stir in the chicken and vegetables.  mix well.

13.  Pour the chicken filling into the prepared pie crust.


14.  Roll out the biscuit pie crust to just slightly bigger then the top of the pie.  Place on top of the filling and crimp the edges to the bottom pie crust, sealing in the filling.  Cut a design in the top if desired.

15.  Bake for 45 minutes.   Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes.  Cut and serve hot.




reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Fine Apple Tart (or Tarte Fine aux Pommes)

Fine apple tart

When we caught up with a couple of friends at Simon's Peiking Duck a couple of weeks ago, I offered to make dessert at our place. That way, we could do the early 6 PM seating, stuff our faces with amazing Peking duck, get out before the hungry customers for the 8 PM seating arrived, then get back home and relax over dessert and coffee. Genius idea, if I may say!

I wanted to make something that could be mostly prepared in advance and just finished off once we'd gotten home - and a fine apple tart fit the bill nicely. Now, I know this isn't the most original idea, but it is an excellent one, and something that I make whenever I want an easy and elegant dessert. Previously, I have made fine apple tarts just with pastry and sliced apple (see the one from Nigella Express, and one I made when I made my own puff pastry from scratch), but in 2010 I tried making one with a layer of frangipane as well, and it's so much better! The frangipane keeps the almond slices in place and absorbs any liquid they might give off, and its almondy cakiness smells and tastes delicious. I've never looked back!

So, on this particular afternoon, I defrosted the pastry, topped it with frangipane and apple slices just before we left for dinner (squeezing a little lemon juice over the sliced apples to prevent them from browning), and put it in the oven when we got back.

As I made it, I realised that every time I do, I end up flicking between different blog posts I've written and different recipe books in order to figure out the recipe. And you know what, I'm sick of that! Indeed, this time I was in such a rush that I made FOUR TIMES the amount of frangipane I'd need because I just went to my default frangipane recipe and forgot to adjust the quantities. Oops! (The leftover frangipane became the most amazing financiers the next day, so I guess I shouldn't complain!) So I've put the full recipe, with proper quantities, at the bottom of this post. Yay! (N.B. this evening, I made two tarts, but I think it was too much for four people, so in my recipe below I've given quantities for a single tart that will serve four. Scale up as you wish).

Fine Apple Tart

These are so so easy to make, and look so impressive. I served it with vanilla bean ice-cream (of course), and this amazing salted butter caramel sauce I brought back from Paris with me. Delicious. (If you have any gourmet salted caramel sauce, bought on a whim and gathering dust in your pantry, then go with that, otherwise the tart will still be delicious just plain.)

Bretagne salted butter caramel sauce, salted butter caramel chips

Tarte fine aux pommes avec coulis de salidou

With caramel sauce and vanilla ice-cream

Buttery, flaky, apple goodness, with a hint of almond-fragrant cakeiness. Wonderful. Enjoy!

Fine Apple Tart
Sarah's version of a classic recipe

Ingredients
1 sheet all-butter puff pastry
40 grams butter, melted and cooled
40 grams caster sugar
40 grams almond meal
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 apples

Method
Preheat the oven to 220C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Place the pastry on the baking paper. Using a butter knife, trace a border one centimetre in from the edge of the pastry, being careful not to cut the whole way through. Prick the pastry inside the border all over with a fork.
Whisk together the melted and cooled butter, caster sugar, almond meal, egg and vanilla extract until combined. Spread the almond mixture over the pastry, trying to keep it within the border.
Core and finely slice the apples. Arrange the slices in overlapping layers on top of the almond mixture. (If not baking immediately, squeeze a little lemon juice over the apple slices to prevent them from browning).
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the the pastry is cooked through and the tart is golden brown.
Serves 4
Fine apple tart

When we caught up with a couple of friends at Simon's Peiking Duck a couple of weeks ago, I offered to make dessert at our place. That way, we could do the early 6 PM seating, stuff our faces with amazing Peking duck, get out before the hungry customers for the 8 PM seating arrived, then get back home and relax over dessert and coffee. Genius idea, if I may say!

I wanted to make something that could be mostly prepared in advance and just finished off once we'd gotten home - and a fine apple tart fit the bill nicely. Now, I know this isn't the most original idea, but it is an excellent one, and something that I make whenever I want an easy and elegant dessert. Previously, I have made fine apple tarts just with pastry and sliced apple (see the one from Nigella Express, and one I made when I made my own puff pastry from scratch), but in 2010 I tried making one with a layer of frangipane as well, and it's so much better! The frangipane keeps the almond slices in place and absorbs any liquid they might give off, and its almondy cakiness smells and tastes delicious. I've never looked back!

So, on this particular afternoon, I defrosted the pastry, topped it with frangipane and apple slices just before we left for dinner (squeezing a little lemon juice over the sliced apples to prevent them from browning), and put it in the oven when we got back.

As I made it, I realised that every time I do, I end up flicking between different blog posts I've written and different recipe books in order to figure out the recipe. And you know what, I'm sick of that! Indeed, this time I was in such a rush that I made FOUR TIMES the amount of frangipane I'd need because I just went to my default frangipane recipe and forgot to adjust the quantities. Oops! (The leftover frangipane became the most amazing financiers the next day, so I guess I shouldn't complain!) So I've put the full recipe, with proper quantities, at the bottom of this post. Yay! (N.B. this evening, I made two tarts, but I think it was too much for four people, so in my recipe below I've given quantities for a single tart that will serve four. Scale up as you wish).

Fine Apple Tart

These are so so easy to make, and look so impressive. I served it with vanilla bean ice-cream (of course), and this amazing salted butter caramel sauce I brought back from Paris with me. Delicious. (If you have any gourmet salted caramel sauce, bought on a whim and gathering dust in your pantry, then go with that, otherwise the tart will still be delicious just plain.)

Bretagne salted butter caramel sauce, salted butter caramel chips

Tarte fine aux pommes avec coulis de salidou

With caramel sauce and vanilla ice-cream

Buttery, flaky, apple goodness, with a hint of almond-fragrant cakeiness. Wonderful. Enjoy!

Fine Apple Tart
Sarah's version of a classic recipe

Ingredients
1 sheet all-butter puff pastry
40 grams butter, melted and cooled
40 grams caster sugar
40 grams almond meal
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 apples

Method
Preheat the oven to 220C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Place the pastry on the baking paper. Using a butter knife, trace a border one centimetre in from the edge of the pastry, being careful not to cut the whole way through. Prick the pastry inside the border all over with a fork.
Whisk together the melted and cooled butter, caster sugar, almond meal, egg and vanilla extract until combined. Spread the almond mixture over the pastry, trying to keep it within the border.
Core and finely slice the apples. Arrange the slices in overlapping layers on top of the almond mixture. (If not baking immediately, squeeze a little lemon juice over the apple slices to prevent them from browning).
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the the pastry is cooked through and the tart is golden brown.
Serves 4
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Vegan Apple Pie + a Review of Pies and Tarts with Heart by Dynise Balcavage

     Here is your complete guide to homemade vegan pie! First, you’ll master your crust, be it flaky, nutty, cookie-based, vegetable-based, or gluten-free. You’ll learn to make and roll the dough. Then, you’ll craft your filling, finish your pie, decorate it, and make a homemade topping. (Vegan whipped cream, anyone?) Whether you’re looking for a filling meal—such as Mushroom-Polenta Pie or Cornish Pasties—or a dessert pie beyond compare—such as Pumpkin Pie or Butterscotch Pudding Pie—Pies and Tarts With Heart has a lovingly crafted pie for you. And with gluten-free and raw options, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pie for your family’s needs.  (-synopsis)


      I really enjoyed this cookbook.  I've been getting more and more requests for vegan desserts and pies have been one of the hardest things for me to make vegan.  This book starts out by talking about ingredients and tools used in pie making.  Then it moves on to basic crust recipes.  All of the recipes are vegan and most have notations on how to make them gluten free which is an extra bonus in my book.  Next it moves on to traditional pies such as Apple Pie, Gingered-Pear Pie, and Pumpkin Pie.

     Not looking for traditional?  No problem. They move on to Creamy Pies such as Frozen Chocolate Mudslide Pie and Butterscotch Pudding Pie.    There's also citrus pies, nutty pies, and even pies in the raw.  I cannot wait to try the Raw Baklava Crusted Apple Pie-YUM!  Then there is an entire section on artistic tarts.  These tarts are almost too pretty to eat.  The book ends with savory pies and tarts.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

     Looking through the book I just couldn't decide what to make.  I had 4 different pies marked but when I looked on my kitchen counter and saw the fruit bowl overflowing with apples my mind was made up for me.  Apple pie it was!  At first I was just going to use a pre-made pie crust and go with the apple filling recipe but I realized that would defeat the purpose since the pie crust wouldn't be homemade.

     Instead I made the double crust recipe and I'm so glad I did!  While it was harder to roll out than regular pie crust, it tasted even better once it was baked.  The crust was perfectly brown and stayed crisp, even the next day.  Then I made the apple pie filling and was concerned that it was going to be too runny because of the soy milk but when I cut into the pie I didn't have any filling run out.  The next day the filling had firmed up even more and my pie slices were picture perfect.

      My husband had no idea this pie was vegan and he enjoyed it every bit as much as I did.  In fact, we enjoyed it so much we didn't share it with anyone!  That's right, the two of us finished off the entire pie ourselves...oops! 

Vegan Apple Pie (recipe from Pies and Tarts with Heart by Dynise Balcavage, 2013)
For the crust:
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. margarine
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
6-10 T. ice cold water

For the pie:
5 large apples, peeled and sliced
3 T. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1 T. vanilla
2/3 c. vanilla soymilk
1 T. sugar, for sprinkling    

1.  In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.

2.  Dice the margarine and shortening and add to the flour, tossing very well so each piece is covered with flour.

3.  Using a pastry blender, blend the flour and fats, with the aim of handling the dough as little as possible.  When the bits are about pea size, start adding water, 1 tablespoon at a time, sprinkling evenly onto the dough.

4.  Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.  

5.  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.Divide the dough in half and roll out the top and bottom crusts.  Place the bottom crust in the pan and lay the top gently over it to store temporarily.  Refrigerate until ready to fill.   

6.  Just before baking the pie, in a large bowl, stir together the apples, flour, sugar, brown sugar, spices, salt, vanilla, and soymilk.    Spoon into the prepared crust.  Top with the second crust and crimp the edges as desired.  Sprinkle with the coarse sugar.

7.  Place the pie on a foil-lined cookie sheet (to catch any fruit spillover) and bake for 15 minutes.  Lower the heat to 350 degrees and bake for 45 more minutes, until the top is golden.  If the crust seems to brown too quickly, cover the pie with aluminum foil.  Allow to cool completely before slicing.  





 
     Here is your complete guide to homemade vegan pie! First, you’ll master your crust, be it flaky, nutty, cookie-based, vegetable-based, or gluten-free. You’ll learn to make and roll the dough. Then, you’ll craft your filling, finish your pie, decorate it, and make a homemade topping. (Vegan whipped cream, anyone?) Whether you’re looking for a filling meal—such as Mushroom-Polenta Pie or Cornish Pasties—or a dessert pie beyond compare—such as Pumpkin Pie or Butterscotch Pudding Pie—Pies and Tarts With Heart has a lovingly crafted pie for you. And with gluten-free and raw options, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pie for your family’s needs.  (-synopsis)


      I really enjoyed this cookbook.  I've been getting more and more requests for vegan desserts and pies have been one of the hardest things for me to make vegan.  This book starts out by talking about ingredients and tools used in pie making.  Then it moves on to basic crust recipes.  All of the recipes are vegan and most have notations on how to make them gluten free which is an extra bonus in my book.  Next it moves on to traditional pies such as Apple Pie, Gingered-Pear Pie, and Pumpkin Pie.

     Not looking for traditional?  No problem. They move on to Creamy Pies such as Frozen Chocolate Mudslide Pie and Butterscotch Pudding Pie.    There's also citrus pies, nutty pies, and even pies in the raw.  I cannot wait to try the Raw Baklava Crusted Apple Pie-YUM!  Then there is an entire section on artistic tarts.  These tarts are almost too pretty to eat.  The book ends with savory pies and tarts.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

     Looking through the book I just couldn't decide what to make.  I had 4 different pies marked but when I looked on my kitchen counter and saw the fruit bowl overflowing with apples my mind was made up for me.  Apple pie it was!  At first I was just going to use a pre-made pie crust and go with the apple filling recipe but I realized that would defeat the purpose since the pie crust wouldn't be homemade.

     Instead I made the double crust recipe and I'm so glad I did!  While it was harder to roll out than regular pie crust, it tasted even better once it was baked.  The crust was perfectly brown and stayed crisp, even the next day.  Then I made the apple pie filling and was concerned that it was going to be too runny because of the soy milk but when I cut into the pie I didn't have any filling run out.  The next day the filling had firmed up even more and my pie slices were picture perfect.

      My husband had no idea this pie was vegan and he enjoyed it every bit as much as I did.  In fact, we enjoyed it so much we didn't share it with anyone!  That's right, the two of us finished off the entire pie ourselves...oops! 

Vegan Apple Pie (recipe from Pies and Tarts with Heart by Dynise Balcavage, 2013)
For the crust:
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. margarine
1/2 c. vegetable shortening
6-10 T. ice cold water

For the pie:
5 large apples, peeled and sliced
3 T. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1 T. vanilla
2/3 c. vanilla soymilk
1 T. sugar, for sprinkling    

1.  In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.

2.  Dice the margarine and shortening and add to the flour, tossing very well so each piece is covered with flour.

3.  Using a pastry blender, blend the flour and fats, with the aim of handling the dough as little as possible.  When the bits are about pea size, start adding water, 1 tablespoon at a time, sprinkling evenly onto the dough.

4.  Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.  

5.  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.Divide the dough in half and roll out the top and bottom crusts.  Place the bottom crust in the pan and lay the top gently over it to store temporarily.  Refrigerate until ready to fill.   

6.  Just before baking the pie, in a large bowl, stir together the apples, flour, sugar, brown sugar, spices, salt, vanilla, and soymilk.    Spoon into the prepared crust.  Top with the second crust and crimp the edges as desired.  Sprinkle with the coarse sugar.

7.  Place the pie on a foil-lined cookie sheet (to catch any fruit spillover) and bake for 15 minutes.  Lower the heat to 350 degrees and bake for 45 more minutes, until the top is golden.  If the crust seems to brown too quickly, cover the pie with aluminum foil.  Allow to cool completely before slicing.  





 
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Pumpkin Pie #pumpkinweek

   Pumpkin week continues!  It's been the perfect week for pumpkins because I received two large pumpkins in my CSA this past week.  Each pumpkin packs enough to make 2-3 recipes so it's been pumpkin overload at our house!

       My husband absolutely loves pumpkin pie.  I am not that fond of it but I will eat a piece.  So when we got the pumpkins I knew the first thing I had to make was a pie.  I only started making pumpkin pies a few years ago and only with canned pumpkin.  It was time to change all that.

      I roasted the pumpkin with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.  Then I mixed up the pie, crossed my fingers, and put it in the oven.  Frank was skeptical about using fresh pumpkin in a pie but I knew it would be better then the canned stuff.  It smelled amazing while it was in the oven.  It was all spices, sugar, and fall scented. 

      The pie was really good!  The crust was the perfect golden brown and the pie itself was sweet and spiced.  It cut easily and came out of the pan without any difficulty.  We enjoyed a few slices and then I took the rest to work.

Pumpkin Pie (adapted from Food.com)
2 c. fresh roasted pumpkin, mashed
1 c. sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1 T. pumpkin pie spice
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. salt
1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 refrigerated pie crust

1.  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Place the pie crust into a pie pan and set aside.

2.  In a large bowl combine all the ingredients together and mix well.  Pour into the pie crust.

3.  Bake for 15 minutes then reduce heat to 350 and continue cooking for 40-45 minutes or until the middle of the pie has set.

4.  Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.



   Pumpkin week continues!  It's been the perfect week for pumpkins because I received two large pumpkins in my CSA this past week.  Each pumpkin packs enough to make 2-3 recipes so it's been pumpkin overload at our house!

       My husband absolutely loves pumpkin pie.  I am not that fond of it but I will eat a piece.  So when we got the pumpkins I knew the first thing I had to make was a pie.  I only started making pumpkin pies a few years ago and only with canned pumpkin.  It was time to change all that.

      I roasted the pumpkin with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.  Then I mixed up the pie, crossed my fingers, and put it in the oven.  Frank was skeptical about using fresh pumpkin in a pie but I knew it would be better then the canned stuff.  It smelled amazing while it was in the oven.  It was all spices, sugar, and fall scented. 

      The pie was really good!  The crust was the perfect golden brown and the pie itself was sweet and spiced.  It cut easily and came out of the pan without any difficulty.  We enjoyed a few slices and then I took the rest to work.

Pumpkin Pie (adapted from Food.com)
2 c. fresh roasted pumpkin, mashed
1 c. sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1 T. pumpkin pie spice
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. salt
1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 refrigerated pie crust

1.  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Place the pie crust into a pie pan and set aside.

2.  In a large bowl combine all the ingredients together and mix well.  Pour into the pie crust.

3.  Bake for 15 minutes then reduce heat to 350 and continue cooking for 40-45 minutes or until the middle of the pie has set.

4.  Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.



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