Five-Fruit Pie

Five-Fruit Pie is a recipe that never fails to impress and receive compliments. Jean Ross from Oil City, Pennsylvania, has shared this delightful recipe with new neighbors and anyone in need of a pick-me-up, and they all love it. This pie showcases a combination of five delicious fruits, creating a burst of flavors that is sure to please any palate.

Featuring a mixture of tart apples, fresh or frozen rhubarb, raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries, this pie offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy notes. The fruit mixture is enhanced by a perfectly flaky crust that adds texture and balances the flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
• 1 cup chopped peeled tart apples
• 1 cup chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb
• 1 cup each fresh or frozen raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries

CRUST:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup shortening
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup cold water
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons half-and-half cream
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, tapioca, and the five fruits. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes. In another bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and vinegar. Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened.
2. Divide the dough in half, with one portion slightly larger than the other. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the pastry to the pie plate and trim the pastry to ½ inch beyond the edge of the plate. Spoon the fruit mixture into the crust.
3. Roll out the remaining pastry to fit the top of the pie and create a lattice crust. Trim, seal, and flute the edges. Brush the crust with cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
4. Bake the pie at 375°F for 45-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack.

YIELD:

Makes 8 servings.

PREP/BAKE TIME:

Preparation: 40 minutes. Baking: 45-55 minutes.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• If using frozen fruit, measure the fruit while it is still frozen, then thaw it completely. Drain the fruit in a colander, but do not press the liquid out.

TIPS:

• Serve the Five-Fruit Pie as is or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
• Adjust the sweetness of the pie by varying the amount of sugar used, depending on the sweetness of the fruits and personal preference.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a touch of lemon zest to enhance the flavors of the fruit mixture.
• Make sure to allow the pie to cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set.

In conclusion, Five-Fruit Pie is a delightful dessert that is guaranteed to receive compliments and leave a lasting impression. This recipe, shared by Jean Ross from Oil City, Pennsylvania, has been enjoyed by many, including new neighbors and anyone in need of a pick-me-up. The combination of tart apples, rhubarb, raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries creates a burst of flavors that is both sweet and tangy.

The flaky and perfectly baked crust adds a delightful texture to the pie, complementing the vibrant fruit mixture. The crust can be made using a simple combination of all-purpose flour, shortening, an egg, water, white vinegar, and a sprinkle of coarse sugar.

Follow the preparations by combining the fruits with sugar, cornstarch, and tapioca, and letting the mixture sit before transferring it to the prepared crust. Create a lattice crust using the remaining pastry and brush it with cream before sprinkling it with coarse sugar. Bake the pie until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

This pie can be enjoyed as is or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Adjust the sweetness of the pie according to your preference by varying the amount of sugar used.

Whether shared with loved ones or as a special treat for yourself, Five-Fruit Pie is sure to delight with its delightful blend of flavors and textures. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure that the filling sets properly.