Monday, July 7, 2008

TWD: Double Crusted Blueberry Pie






Double Crusted Blueberry Pie was this week's Tuesdays with Dorie selection, chosen by Amy of South in Your Mouth. I know I've recently told you that I'm not partial to fruit desserts, so when I heard this week's recipe was a fruit pie, I was fully determined to sit this one out. Didn't we just make a fruit cobbler, I thought? So, I let most of the week go by without much thought about pie. Towards the end of the week, I received the current edition of Cooking Light Magazine, which was lovingly gifted to me by my dear friend, S., and lo and behold, you'll never guess what was on the cover! It was the most beautiful lattice topped cherry pie I've ever seen, with step by step instructions for mastering this intricate maze of pastry dough. Lattice topped pies have forever intimidated me; I mean, pie crust alone is scary, let alone trying to piece together fragile strips of dough on top of your pie. I decided to own up to my insecurities and overcome my fear of lattice topped fruit pies.
And how did my endeavors go, you might be wondering? Well, let's just say that I have a new respect for those who can lattice top a pie. It took me forever; so long that I had to re-refrigerate my dough at least 4 times. I would cut a few strips and lay it out, then, try to get another strip of dough up from the wax paper, only to find it tearing into remnants because the dough had softened too much. I had to reshape it and re-cut strips and re-refrigerate it and attempt all over again. It was demoralizing, but I finally did it. And as you are my witness, I fully recant my earlier declarations that fruit desserts were not for me. I misspoke. I had yet to try Dorie's double crusted blueberry pie. I suppose trying this pie at the height of blueberry season also helped. I used 3 cups of sweet cherries and 2 cups of blueberries in this pie. It was unbelievable. And now that I've made a lattice topped pie, I don't think I'll ever go back to merely topping a pie with just a plain slab of dough.
If you have put off trying to top your pies with a lattice design, I urge you to give it a shot. I swear it might make the pie taste even better! So, to re-cap, not only was the lattice top conquered, but I also came to the realization that some fruit desserts can be freaking amazing. I'll definitely make this pie again; perhaps with a different berry combination, although cherries and blueberries were sublime. Please visit the other TWD bloggers to see everyone's lovely creations. For the recipe, check out Amy's blog, South in Your Mouth, or get your hands on Baking: From My Home To Yours. You won't regret this purchase!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Never enjoyed fruity desserts before? Opening your mind to fruity delights will expose you to a whole new world of deliciousness. Here's to facing your fears and coming away a better, fruity-dessert loving person.

All I am saying, is give fruit a chance!

Anonymous said...

I tackled my first lattice top for the TWD fruit cobbler. When it came out of the oven, I felt badassss. ;)

Great job!

chocolatechic said...

I have never latticed a pie crust before.

I don't wanna...It's scary, and I'm fearless!

Rigby said...

Your pie looks wonderful, so glad you tried the lattice top :)

Engineer Baker said...

I'm glad you found a fruity dessert that you like, and congrats on conquering the lattice!

Jules Someone said...

Nice job! I've never made a lattice crust. I may have to try it now.

Susie Homemaker said...

kudos to you for trying - the result is perfect!!! me? too chicken to try the lattice...

Prudy said...

Glad you took on the lattice top. It feels good to look your baking fears squarely in the face, and then eat them up for dessert.:) Your pie looks great.

Shari said...

I haven't tried making a lattice-topped pie yet. Yours looks wonderful!
Shari@Whisk: a food blog

Pamela said...

I saw that pie on CL, too. Unlike you, I have not been brave enough to attempt it, though. I agree...this pie was "freakin' amazing!"

The Queen of Quite a Lot said...

Your lattice top looks wonderful! Good job!

Mari said...

What a beautiful job you did with the lattice work, you did yourself proud!

Sharon said...

I love the lattice look. I have done it beore, but have not quite mastered it....hopefully soon.

Bungalow Barbara said...

Good for you! What a great-looking lattice!

I did a lattice too. I rolled the top crust out on a flexible plastic cutting mat (mine are color coded, the yellow and green mat are NEVER used with onions, garlic, meat or anything else strong-flavored). Then I cut the strips but did not separate them. I put the whole thing in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Worked like a dream!

Here's another tip--you can always do a "lazy lattice!" Don't weave them, just lay them on top of the pie. Lay the first strip across the center, and the second one across the center at right angles to the first strip. Now, add a strip on each side of the first one, then strips on each side of the second one, and go on working out from the center like that until you get to the edge. It is much easier!

Boo & Bee said...

Your latice work is amazing! All I know how to do is paint the latice on the deck... Women go into my kitchen and bake me a pie! Oh it looks so delics