Blue for You
Here in the Pond, the land of cacti, mesquite trees and two centimeters of dirt before you hit rock, we don’t get a lot of food my northern Invisible Friends do. For example, Greek yogurt for our Redneck gyros.
And we certainly don’t have any berries. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries….those grow in frozen freezer bags down here. If we do get them fresh, they often cost $4 to $5 a pint. So while all my other Invisible Friends enjoy blueberries in their oatmeal, crisps, pies, breads, cakes, muffins…I don’t. Unless they’re frozen. And let’s be honest, frozen berries don’t taste nearly as good and get purple juice all over the place.
Not that I would ever be that messy.
But then one day, I sauntered into the grocery store and stumbled upon blueberries for less than $2 a pint. I immediately snatched up two boxes.
For you see, Invisible Friends, I had always dreamed of making a blueberry pie.
I’d never tasted a blueberry pie. Never had a fresh blueberry. But after hearing so much about them, I had always yearned to make one.
So I did.
But I didn’t make just any blueberry pie. I made a frozen blueberry pie.
When mixing up the inside, I froze it for 8 hours in a pie plate. And then I made the crusts and just dropped in in there and baked it.
It’s a good thing it was frozen or else I might have been tempted to take a bite…
And to my delight, after more than an hour of baking and two cooling…
It was perfect. It was everything I had dreamed it would be and more.
But the best part?
When Ben looked at me and said, “I do believe this is the best dessert you’ve ever made.”
I went out and bought four more boxes of blueberries the next morning.
Frozen Blueberry Pie (From Alton Brown on Foodnetwork.com)
Ingredients
- 20 ounces blueberries, approximately 4 cups
- 4 ounces sugar, approximately 1/2 cup
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 ounces tapioca flour, approximately 5 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 (9-inch) store-bought pie doughs
- 1 egg yolk whisked with 1 teaspoon water
Directions
Wash the berries and pat dry. Mash up half of the blueberries in a small bowl.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt and tapioca flour. Add the mashed blueberries, orange juice and orange zest and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. Fold in the whole berries.
Line a 9-inch pie plate with aluminum foil. Place the blueberry mixture into the foil and place in the freezer until solid, approximately 6 to 8 hours.
Once the filling is frozen, remove from the aluminum foil and wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
For baking:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Unroll first piece of dough and place into a 9-inch pie pan, making sure the dough reaches to the lip of the pie pan. Trim excess, if necessary. Prick the bottom and sides with a fork and set aside. Unroll second piece of dough and cut into 1 1/8-inch wide strips that are at least 10-inches long. Using a ruler that is 1 1/8-inches wide, lay the ruler on the dough at 1 edge and roll across dough using the edge of the ruler as you go to cut through the dough.
Remove the frozen pie filling from the freezer and place into the prepared dough in the pan. Lightly brush the edge of the crust with the egg yolk. Lay 4 strips of dough across the top of the filling horizontally, leaving an even amount of space in between each strip. Fold back 2 alternating strips and lay down another strip in the middle of the pie, perpendicular to the other strips. Return the strips that are laid back to their original position. Next, fold back the other 2 strips and lay down a strip to the left of the center perpendicular strip. Return the strips that are laid back to their original position and repeat on the other side of the perpendicular strip, folding back the same 2 strips as you did on the other side. Once you have a lattice, brush all the strips of dough with the egg yolk, trim excess dough and pinch strips and edge of crust in order to seal. Place on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes. The pie should be bubbling lightly around the edges. If the lattice is not browned enough in the center, place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.
Place the pie on a rack and allow to cool to room temperature before serving, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Stay tuned, Invisible Friends! Tomorrow we have a new Twirl and Saturday, a new Critter Confessions!
August 20th, 2009 at 2:41 am
What a gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous blueberry pie. It sounds terrific! Id love a slice topped with ice cream.
August 20th, 2009 at 4:13 am
We would consider $5 a pint a sale here.. and we grow blueberries here!
The pie is a masterpiece, congratulations!
August 20th, 2009 at 4:26 am
GORGEOUS!!
August 20th, 2009 at 4:49 am
Now I know what to do with the 20 lbs of blueberries I just bought! And, sadly, the Yankee Pot Roast is no longer operating…..guess you’ll have to find somewhere else to make your biscuits. Don’t think you would have liked the prairie girl uniform we had to wear either!
August 20th, 2009 at 5:07 am
Looks yummmo, chickee!! I absolutely love blueberry pie. We got a flat of them when in Seattle recently and all of us chowed down on them posthaste,sugar! Just delicious when fresh out of the fields…….
xoxo,
Connie
August 20th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Wow – best dessert you’ve ever made is a big compliment! Such a sweet talker you’ve got!
August 20th, 2009 at 5:48 am
I bet Ben made your whole month with his comment. Your blueberry pie looks perfectly baked.
I haven’t heard of a frozen blueberry pie, but know you have me craving one!
August 20th, 2009 at 6:03 am
you are speaking my language Miss Duck! please confirm there was a LARGE scoop of vanilla ice cream that accompanied this!
kHm
August 20th, 2009 at 6:03 am
That is the most lovely dessert I think I have ever laid eyes on. And what a gift to receive such a heartfelt compliment! I probably would have bought the store out of blueberries, LOL!
Your pies are always mouth-watering!
August 20th, 2009 at 6:28 am
Oh Yum Yum Duckie!! I have made a lot of blueberry pies in my lifetime but I have never heard of a frozen one like that! How wonderful. Yours looks fabulous! We get blueberries here for £2.99 a punnet (approx a pint) and sometimes they mark them down to £1.99. When they do that I grab a mess full and freeze them. What a sweetheart that Ben is, no wonder you love him so! xxoo
August 20th, 2009 at 6:29 am
That is a gorgeous and delicious looking creation you made!! I have only attempted one pie, a coconut cream pie, maybe I should try some more types because this looks delicious!! I had north carolina peaches at my sister’s rehearsal dinner and OMG that is all I ate the entire time, so delicious and they didn’t even need sugar to sweeten them!
August 20th, 2009 at 6:37 am
that’s a STELLAR pie, miranda. blueberries have secured their place as my favorite summer fruit, and a glorious pie is the perfect place for them. excellent lattice work, too.
August 20th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Miammmm, nothing beat the homemade blueberry pie.
August 20th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Oh you have inspired me. I still have loads on the tree!
August 20th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Yummy…I love blueberries…I am so sorry you do not live in the land of berries…bummer. Our new furbaby is here and so cute…I will be doing an introduction soon.
August 20th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Oh yum……but can you make a cherry pie?
jk…if you don’t know, there is an old song…..
August 20th, 2009 at 7:05 am
This is one gorgeous looking pie Duckie!! This pie really speaks my language!!
August 20th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I’m not the biggest fan of blueberries, but now I want to go pick some and then bake them into a divine pie using this recipe!
August 20th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Beautiful pie! We have blackberries that grow wild in our backyard. they grow on the most horrible itchy thorny vines. You’re not missing much. Freezer fruit is just fine with me
August 20th, 2009 at 7:25 am
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever had blueberry pie either! That looks fabulous.
August 20th, 2009 at 7:32 am
YUM-A-LICIOUS!! I love the idea of freezing it first too!!
August 20th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Well, you have some advantages down where you are. You don’t have cold winters and good barbecue is always within reach.
Blueberry pie is probably my favorite kind of fruit pie (although cherry gives it a run for its money). I’m glad you finally got to try making (and EATING) one yourself. Bake more.
August 20th, 2009 at 8:29 am
That blueberry pie looks fantastic! You must have cooked it very well, I’d like to taste a slice of it!
This evening I’m going to watch the nice movie Il sorpasso (Italy, 1962), with Vittorio Gassman, Catherine Spaak, Jean-Louis Trintignant; the movie begins “in the deserted Rome of an ordinary Ferragosto”.
August 20th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I love all things blueberry! Here in the farther southwestern desert world, we don’t have berries either. Here’s a little hint…May & June are blueberry season. Go to Costco and you can buy them for about $6.99 per pound. I bought 24 pounds this year and froze them. We have enough blueberries to last all winter!
August 20th, 2009 at 9:01 am
OHH-LA-LA, looks fabulously delish!!!
Smooches,
Sassy Chica
stopping in from sits
August 20th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Atta girl:-). It looks delicious. What other treats are you going to make with the blueberries?
August 20th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Yummy! Blueberry pie was the first pie I ever made too. Soo good! You’ve made me drool.
August 20th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Sounds delicious! Perfect summer dessert.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Well my dear, of course you would make a fabulous blueberry pie on your first go of it–you’re a pie queen I think! Looks gorgeous and I’m sure tasted heavenly. Blueberries are one of my favorites.
August 20th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Oh yum!! Would you believe that while we grow blueberries, we’ve never had a big enough harvest for me to make a dessert like this? Darn those evil chipmunks…
August 20th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Aw, Duckie, I’m so glad you’ve had fresh blueberries! Frozen blueberries make a good pie, too, because cooking brings out the flavor. And I have no doubt that all of your pies are wonderful!
August 20th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Wow…a frozen blueberry pie…I do believe I have not heard of that before. Definitely have to try it!
August 20th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I’m excited now! We have fresh blueberries on sale at our local grocery store too. Hmmm, I may have to go shopping today!! Thanks for the recipe.
August 20th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Fantastic looking pie. Glad you found them and were able to finally try fresh blueberries.
Ramona
August 20th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I’m trying to think of a safe time of day to read your blog; usually I time it right before lunch or late afternoon, ie, when I’m starving. As usual, this dessert looks to die for.
And I’m with you on the sinful cost of fresh berries out here!
August 20th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Waaah! I want blueberry pie!
August 20th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I have not ever made a blueberry pie. Yours does look absolutely perfect in every way. BTW your comment on Bella Sue needing to set up a date rather than hump her toys made me bark out loud laughing!
August 20th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I love blueberries but the most creative I am is putting them in my yogurt–you go girl! xo
August 20th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Oh Duckie –
What a wonderful pie. I’m so glad you are baking pies. I can just imagine you in your apron making pies with your puppies and Ben. It looks delicious! I hope things are going well for all of you!
Have a wonderful night!
XOOX
Jen
August 20th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
That sounds beyond incredible!
August 20th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
My favorite pie too!! It looks beautiful! I love your lattice crust. I’ve never heard of freezing it first. I wonder why.
August 20th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Blueberries for $2 a pint? Well I never! Pack me up and take me to Texas! Over here, they’re $5 for 4ozs
August 20th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Great job! What a beautiful and tasty pie…wish I could have a slice.
August 20th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Thanks for sharing! I’m a Blueberry Gal myself. Can’t imagine ever being w/o them…
August 20th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Oh Blond Duck! I do feel for you not having fresh berries in your life on a seasonal basis! But I still think it is exciting that you foudn some blueberries and made wonderful delicious pie. Baking things with fresh fruit is one of life’s many wonderful pleasures! And your pie looked fabulous!
August 20th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
PS. I just made a post tonight about our recent blackberry picking experience. I love fresh berries!
August 20th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I’m sorry you do not get a lot of fresh berries but this pie is freaking awesome! I swear I wouldn’t lie to you:) I love that you used an Alton Brown recipe. Sometimes when I’m in the kitchen I channel him for some inspiration. Now if only my kitchen was as large, stocked and organized as his…life would be grand:)
August 20th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Oh my gosh I was just craving blueberry pie too..mmm..
August 20th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
You, my dear, are a MASTER pie maker!! That pie looks so delicious!
August 20th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Gorgeous pie, love those fresh blueberries!! Looks amazing!
August 20th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
It truly looks delicious..if only i would find some of those dang blueberries…hmmm
August 21st, 2009 at 12:43 am
Oh yummm – that looks delicious!
August 21st, 2009 at 1:57 am
we shall have a blueberry party blondie!!
hehe.. i loveeee this pie! yumm yumm!!
August 21st, 2009 at 3:08 am
Mmm… blueberry pie – delightful!
August 21st, 2009 at 7:09 am
What a fabulous blueberry pie! I always overdose on blueberries when they go on sale too!
August 21st, 2009 at 7:15 am
I am so spoiled with my own blueberry bushes. I wish you could drop by to pick a quart to take home. Kudos on the pie – it does look like the perfect blueberry pie!
August 21st, 2009 at 8:27 am
Oh, my! Blond Duck you have done it! This looks like the perfect answer to those pints of blueberries I’ve been dragging home each week. The Blueberry crop has been incredible this Summer. I’ve been way to simple with the Berry application in our house. Must try this soon. Yum!
August 21st, 2009 at 9:06 am
I made blueberry pie from Alton Brown’s recipe too! I was so proud of myself that I followed the lattice crust instructions perfectly as well!
then, I made another one – but made a struesle (sp?) topping and it was even yummier! More like a cobbler than a pie – but MMMmmmmgood!
August 21st, 2009 at 9:19 am
Looks so good! Love that there is not tons of sugar in it either. Great job on your first blueberry pie! I don’t think I’ve ever had one ??? But I loved the blueberry pie character on strawberry shortcake
August 21st, 2009 at 10:42 am
Mmm, this looks delicious! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a blueberry here, though…I’ll have to keep this in mind for when I come home!
August 21st, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I know we will LOVE this recipe Miranda! Alex eats bluberries and cottage cheese for breakfast every single morning. We are trying this one this weekend. Thank you for sharing! I’m ready for your cookbook too my friend. ~Warmly, ~Melissa
August 21st, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Oh Miss Duck, what a gorgeous creation! Good for you, and good for us is that you shared the recipe and your directions! Yumalicious, yeppers, it most certainly is.
Enjoy your weekend!
tp
August 21st, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Just beautiful! Love blueberries, and a pie is the perfect place for them
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:29 am
I honestly wish I could make pies that looked that beautiful! I’m hungry now!
August 24th, 2009 at 6:21 am
I have never thought to freeze them – but after hearing it – totally makes sense!!
August 24th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I was trying to read through all your posts and stories – terrific stuff – before commenting, but this pie is too incredible to pass by. You mentioned store-bought crusts – do you find them as good as homemade? The pie is an absolute masterpiece; thanks for including the recipe!
And thanks so much for stopping by my blog!
August 26th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Wow! Musta been an awesome pie!