diff --git a/food_related/strawberry_pie.md b/food_related/strawberry_pie.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b86d33d --- /dev/null +++ b/food_related/strawberry_pie.md @@ -0,0 +1,66 @@ +## **Classic Strawberry Pie** + +A delicious and dependable strawberry pie with a flaky crust and a sweet, vibrant fruit filling. Using frozen strawberries ensures consistent results any time of year. + +**Yields:** 8 servings +**Prep Time:** 30-45 minutes +**Chill Time:** 1 hour (minimum) +**Bake Time:** 60-75 minutes + +--- + +### **Ingredients:** + +#### **For the Pie Crust (Double Crust):** +* 2 ½ cups (300g) All-Purpose Flour +* 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt +* 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) Unsalted Butter, very cold, cut into ½-inch cubes +* ½ cup (120ml) Ice Water (have a bit extra ready) + +#### **For the Strawberry Filling:** +* 6 cups (approx. 900g-1kg) Frozen Strawberries (whole or halved) +* ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar +* ¼ cup (30g) Cornstarch +* 2 tablespoons (15g) Tapioca Starch (or 2 more tablespoons cornstarch if you don't have tapioca) +* 1 ½ tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice +* ½ teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract +* Pinch of Fine Sea Salt + +#### **For the Finish:** +* 1 large Egg Yolk + 1 teaspoon Water (whisked for egg wash) +* 1 tablespoon Coarse Turbinado Sugar (for sprinkling) + +--- + +### **Instructions:** + +#### **Part 1: Make the Pie Crust** + +1. **Mix Dry:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. +2. **Add Butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the flour. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. +3. **Add Water:** Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork or your hands until the dough just comes together when squeezed. Do not overmix. +4. **Chill Dough:** Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). + +#### **Part 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling** + +1. **Soften Strawberries:** Place frozen strawberries in a large bowl. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, until they are partially thawed (still icy, but can be separated). +2. **Mix Dry Thickeners:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, tapioca starch, and pinch of salt. +3. **Combine:** Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract to the partially thawed strawberries. Sprinkle the dry starch-sugar mixture over the berries. Gently toss until the berries are well coated. + +#### **Part 3: Assemble & Bake the Pie** + +1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Place a baking sheet on the lower oven rack. +2. **Roll Crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim edges, leaving a ¾-inch overhang. +3. **Fill Pie:** Pour the strawberry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading evenly. +4. **Top Crust:** Roll out the second dough disk. Place it over the filling (or create a lattice). Trim excess dough and crimp the edges firmly to seal. +5. **Vent & Finish:** Cut several slits in the top crust (if not latticed) to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with the egg wash and sprinkle with Turbinado sugar. +6. **Bake:** + * Bake at **400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.** + * **Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C)**. Continue baking for **35-45 minutes more**, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling thickly in the center. (If crust edges brown too fast, cover loosely with foil). +7. **Cool Completely:** Transfer the pie to a wire rack and **cool completely for at least 4 hours (ideally 6-8 hours or overnight)** before slicing. This is essential for the filling to set properly. + +### **Tips for Success:** + +* **Cold is Key:** Always use very cold butter and ice water for a flaky crust. +* **Don't Rush Cooling:** Patience here guarantees a perfectly set, sliceable pie. +* **Watch the Bubbles:** When baking, thick, consistent bubbling in the center of the pie indicates the filling is done. \ No newline at end of file