Ozark Mountain Berry Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the vibrant flavors of fresh berries in a delectable filling. Elaine Moody from Clever, Missouri, has perfected this pie, ensuring its sweetness by tasting the berries and filling before adding them to the pie crust. She shares a valuable tip of slicing the berries, allowing them to absorb more of the sugar and flavorings, further enhancing the taste.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Dash salt
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Pastry for a double-crust pie (9 inches)
- 1 cup halved fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- ¾ cup fresh blackberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon (if desired), salt, and water until smooth. Add the fresh blueberries, bring the mixture to a boil, and cook and stir for 2 minutes or until it thickens. Set it aside to cool slightly.
- Line a 9-inch pie plate with the bottom crust, trimming the pastry even with the edge. Gently fold the halved strawberries, fresh raspberries, blackberries, and lemon juice into the blueberry mixture. Pour the berry filling into the prepared pastry and dot it with butter. Roll out the remaining pastry and create a lattice crust, trimming, sealing, and fluting the edges.
- Bake the pie at 400°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and continue baking for 45-50 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling becomes bubbly. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack, and for optimal freshness, store it in the refrigerator.
YIELD:
- 8 servings
COOKING TIME:
- 15 minutes (prep time)
- 45-50 minutes (bake time)
- Cooling time not specified
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Elaine recommends tasting the berries and filling before adding them to the pie crust to ensure the desired sweetness level.
- Slicing the berries before folding them into the filling allows for better absorption of sugar and flavorings.
TIPS:
- Serve this Ozark Mountain Berry Pie warm to fully savor the flavors of the fresh berries.
- Pair the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Ozark Mountain Berry Pie is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fresh berries in a flavorful filling. Elaine Moody’s expertise in perfecting this pie shines through her thoughtful tips and careful preparations. The art of tasting the berries and filling before assembling the pie ensures that the sweetness is just right, while slicing the berries allows them to absorb the sugar and flavorings fully.
The combination of fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries brings a burst of colors and tastes to this delightful dessert. Elaine’s choice to add ground cinnamon to the filling adds a warm and comforting dimension to the berry mix.
The process of creating the lattice crust showcases the beauty of the pie, allowing the colorful berries to peek through the gaps and inviting guests to savor each bite. Served warm, this pie is a delightful indulgence that will please any berry enthusiast.
A perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, the Ozark Mountain Berry Pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It is an ideal way to celebrate the bountiful harvest of fresh berries during the warm summer months or any time of the year.
Elaine’s pie not only impresses with its delicious taste but also with its visually appealing presentation. The golden brown lattice crust and the jewel-like colors of the berries create a picture-perfect dessert that will be the star of any gathering.
In conclusion, Ozark Mountain Berry Pie is a testament to the beauty and flavor of nature’s bounty. Elaine Moody’s attention to detail and her passion for the perfect blend of berries and spices have resulted in a dessert that will become a favorite among family and friends alike.
