Are you ready to bake your way to a sweeter Dreamlight Valley? Forget foraging for ingredients; today, we’re crafting a delicious blueberry pie that's as comforting as a warm hug. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, promising a homemade taste that's miles ahead of anything store-bought. Get ready to experience the joy of easy recipes and healthy meals, all while creating a truly delicious dish.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes one 9-inch double-crust pie.
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing shrinkage during baking.
Assembling the Pie:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
- Top with the crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
Cooling and Serving:
- Cool completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Pie:
- Use fresh blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the filling.
- Don't overmix the filling: Overmixing can cause the blueberries to burst and create a watery filling.
- Blind bake the crust (optional): For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the bottom crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom.
Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Pie: Add the zest of one lemon to the filling for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Crumb Topping: Instead of a top crust, create a delicious crumble topping using oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter.
- Mixed Berry Pie: Substitute or add other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries to the filling.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 45-55g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
This delicious blueberry pie is the perfect homemade treat for any occasion. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a satisfying dessert, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!