Are you dreaming of a warm, gooey slice of blueberry pie, bursting with fresh berry flavor? Forget those store-bought fillings; this recipe unlocks the secret to creating a truly delicious and homemade blueberry pie filling using Lucky Leaf frozen blueberries. It's easier than you think, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas (even if pie isn't technically dinner!). This recipe is perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting their homemade cooking journey. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning dessert!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Lucky Leaf frozen blueberries (thawed, excess liquid drained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the thawed and drained blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure to thoroughly drain the blueberries to prevent a watery filling. This step is crucial for a delicious, set filling!
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Cook the Filling: Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and burning. The cornstarch will thicken the filling as it cooks.
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Thicken the Magic: Continue to simmer and stir for about 5-7 minutes, or until the filling has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
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Cool Completely: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the blueberry filling cool completely. This is important to prevent a soggy pie crust. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the filling to a shallow bowl.
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Fill Your Pie Crust: Once the filling is completely cool, carefully pour it into your favorite pie crust (homemade or store-bought). Top with your favorite pie crust and bake according to your crust's instructions.
Tips for Pie Perfection:
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar amount to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet pie, start with 3/4 cup of sugar and add more to taste.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices! A dash of allspice or ginger can complement the blueberries beautifully.
- Thickening Power: If your filling isn't thickening enough, you can whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the mixture.
Delicious Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Pie: Increase the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons and add the zest of one lemon for a tangy twist.
- Blueberry Crumble Topping: Instead of a traditional pie crust, top the filling with a buttery crumble topping for a rustic and delicious dessert.
- Blueberry Hand Pies: Use this filling to create individual hand pies for a fun and portable treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250 (depending on crust and sugar)
- Fat: Variable (depending on crust)
- Carbohydrates: High
- Fiber: Moderate
- Protein: Low
This Lucky Leaf blueberry pie filling recipe is a simple way to create a truly delicious and homemade pie. The combination of fresh (or in this case, wonderfully preserved frozen) blueberries and warm spices is irresistible. Enjoy this easy recipe, perfect for any occasion! Remember to share your culinary creations with us! We'd love to see your beautiful blueberry pies.