Remember walking into your grandma's house? The smell of a pie baking filled the air, didn't it? Pies are more than just dessert. They bring back good memories. What exactly is a pie? It's simple! Crust and filling. You can find sweet pies, savory pies, and everything between.
Let's check out some pies. We'll look at old favorites and new ideas. Pies work great for holidays or just a simple dessert.
Disclaimer:This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Classic Fruit Pies: Timeless Favorites
Fruit pies are the pies everyone should know how to bake. They are a classic for a good reason. They are super tasty!
Apple Pie
Apple pie is the king of fruit pies. Some apples work better than others. Try using Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples. You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Want to change things up? Try making a Dutch apple pie with a crumb topping.
Cherry Pie
Do you like sweet or tart cherries? Either works great in cherry pie. You can use fresh or frozen cherries. Be sure to thicken the filling with cornstarch or tapioca to keep it from being runny.
Blueberry Pie
A good blueberry pie is juicy, not watery. Add a little lemon juice or zest to enhance the blueberry flavor. A bit of cornstarch will help thicken the filling.
Peach Pie
Ripe peaches make the best peach pie. Make sure the crust doesn't get soggy. You can pre-bake it a little. Also, you can brush the crust with egg white before adding the filling.
Creamy Dream Pies: Indulgent Delights
If you crave creamy, these pies are for you. Their custard-like filling satisfies.
Chocolate Cream Pie
Use your favorite type of chocolate for this pie. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet will all work. Make sure the filling is smooth. Top it with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
Coconut Cream Pie
Real coconut makes this pie special. Toasting the coconut adds even more flavor. You can also add a splash of rum.
Banana Cream Pie
To keep the bananas from browning, brush them with lemon juice. Layer the bananas in the crust. Use vanilla wafers for a simple and tasty crust.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Balance the lemon's tartness with sugar. You can make a stable meringue. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Make sure the meringue doesn't weep by adding a little cream of tartar.
Nutty & Rich Pies: Decadent Choices
Nut pies offer a deep, rich flavor. They are really something special.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie's a southern classic. Different types of pecans can be used. The choice is yours! You can use corn syrup or other sweeteners, like maple syrup. Bourbon or chocolate will kick it up a notch.
Peanut Butter Pie
Peanut butter pie can have so many variations. You can use a graham cracker or chocolate crust. Top it with chocolate sauce or chopped peanuts.
Walnut Pie
Toasting the walnuts brings out their flavor. Make sure to chop the walnuts before adding them to the filling. You can top with whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.
Savory Pies: Beyond Dessert
Pies aren't just for sweets anymore. Savory pies can be a full meal.
Chicken Pot Pie
For chicken pot pie, you can use puff pastry or a regular pie crust. Use a mix of your favorite vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes. Make sure the gravy is thick and creamy.
Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's Pie can be made with ground beef or lamb. Top it with a layer of mashed potatoes. Add vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn to the meat mixture.
Quiche
Quiche is a versatile savory pie. Use different cheese combos, like Swiss, Gruyere, or cheddar. Add veggies or meats, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bacon. Make sure the filling is creamy.
Regional & Unique Pies: Explore the Variety
Let's explore some different pies. These pies are from different regions. Each pie is unique.
Key Lime Pie
Key limes give this pie its signature taste. Balance the tartness of the limes with sweetness. A graham cracker crust is the classic choice.
Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie uses warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. You can add a splash of bourbon. Top it with whipped cream or toasted pecans.
Rhubarb Pie
Pair rhubarb with strawberries to balance its tartness. A crumb topping or lattice crust works well with rhubarb pie.
Tips for Perfect Pie Baking
Here are some things to keep in mind for any pie. These tips will help you make a great pie.
Crust Perfection
Keep the butter cold when making the crust. Cut the butter into the flour. Chill the dough before rolling it out. Don't over-mix the dough, or it will be tough.
Filling Consistency
Use cornstarch, flour, or tapioca to thicken pie fillings. Cook the filling on the stovetop before adding it to the crust. This will help prevent a runny pie.
Preventing Soggy Crusts
Pre-bake the crust to keep it from getting soggy. Use a pie shield to protect the edges from burning. Brush the crust with egg wash before filling it.
Serving and Storage
Serve warm pies with ice cream or whipped cream. You can store pies in the fridge for up to three days. Cover them tightly to keep them fresh.
Conclusion
We looked at so many kinds of pies. Classic fruit pies, creamy pies, savory pies, and more. Pies are comforting and can be used in so many ways. Try a new pie recipe soon. What is your favorite pie memory? Share your own pie recipes in the comments.
Comments
Post a Comment