Special Raisin Pie

Special Raisin Pie, also known as “funeral pie” among the Amish and Mennonites in Pennsylvania, is a beloved and comforting dessert. This recipe, shared by Laura Fall-Sutton from Buhl, Idaho, has gained recognition and won first place at the county fair. The combination of raisins, brown sugar, and citrus flavors creates a delightful and nostalgic pie that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

The tradition of funeral pie stems from the practice of neighbors and relatives providing food for grieving families after a funeral. Since fresh fruit may not always be available, raisins became a staple ingredient for this pie. It is a comforting dessert that can be made ahead and stored without refrigeration, making it a practical choice for post-funeral meals.

With its flaky double-crust pastry and a filling enriched with the sweetness of raisins, this pie is a true classic. The addition of lemon juice, orange juice, grated orange peel, grated lemon peel, and rum extract adds depth and complexity to the flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2½ cups raisins
• 2 cups water
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons plus 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• ½ teaspoon rum extract
• Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches)
• 2 tablespoons butter

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the raisins and water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar, sugar, and salt. Cook until the sugars are dissolved.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Gradually stir the mixture into the pan. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, orange juice, grated orange peel, grated lemon peel, and rum extract.
3. Roll out half of the pastry to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the pastry to the pie plate and fill it with the raisin mixture. Dot the filling with butter.
4. Roll out the remaining pastry and create a lattice crust. Trim, seal, and flute the edges of the pie.
5. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, covering the edges with foil during the last 10 minutes. Cool the pie on a wire rack and refrigerate any leftovers.

YIELD:

Makes 8 servings.

PREP/BAKE TIME:

Preparation: 40 minutes. Baking: 35-40 minutes + cooling time.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Cover the edges of the pie with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before serving to ensure the filling sets properly.

TIPS:

• Serve Special Raisin Pie as a comforting dessert for any occasion, not just post-funeral meals.
• Enjoy the pie as is or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
• This pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it a convenient option for entertaining or a quick dessert.

In conclusion, Special Raisin Pie, also known as “funeral pie,” is a comforting and nostalgic dessert that has gained recognition for its delightful flavors. This recipe, shared by Laura Fall-Sutton from Buhl, Idaho, has won first place at the county fair and captured the hearts of those who have tasted it.

The tradition of funeral pie among the Amish and Mennonites in Pennsylvania reflects the practicality and comfort of this pie. Made with raisins, brown sugar, and citrus flavors, it offers a delicious and heartwarming dessert that can be enjoyed on various occasions.

With its flaky double-crust pastry and a sweet filling enriched with raisins, this pie is a true classic. The addition of lemon juice, orange juice, grated orange peel, grated lemon peel, and rum extract adds depth and complexity to the flavors, making each bite truly special.

Whether enjoyed at a post-funeral meal or as a comforting dessert, Special Raisin Pie is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Serve it as is or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

So gather your ingredients, follow the simple preparations, and savor the rich flavors of this delightful pie. Share it with loved ones and create your own cherished memories with each delicious slice.