Rocky Mountain Berry Delight

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the original American sweet pie, we infuse the essence of Rocky Mountain cuisine by incorporating locally sourced berries that thrive in the region's cooler climate. The pie crust is made with a touch of whole wheat flour, adding a rustic element to the dish. Additionally, we enhance the flavors with a hint of wildflower honey, paying homage to the abundant wildflowers found in the Rocky Mountains. We alse have the original recipe for Sweet Pie, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) mixed berries (such as raspberries, huckleberries, and blackberries) 2 cups (250g) mixed berries (such as raspberries, huckleberries, and blackberries)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) wildflower honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) wildflower honey
• 2 tablespoons (30g) cornstarch 2 tablespoons (30g) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
• 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) whole wheat flour 1/4 cup (30g) whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) ice water 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) ice water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 25g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar, wildflower honey, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Gently toss until the berries are coated. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.
4. 4.
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
7. 7.
   Pour the berry filling into the prepared pie crust.
8. 8.
   Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern on top of the pie. Alternatively, you can cover the pie with a full crust and cut slits to allow steam to escape.
9. 9.
   Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. 10.
    Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Berries — Ensure the berries are fresh and ripe for the best flavor. Rinse them gently under cold water and pat them dry before using.
• Wildflower honey — Use locally sourced wildflower honey to capture the essence of the Rocky Mountains. If unavailable, substitute with any good-quality honey.
• Whole wheat flour — The addition of whole wheat flour gives the crust a nutty flavor. If desired, you can use all-purpose flour instead.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more rustic look, leave the edges of the pie crust untrimmed and fold them over the filling.
• Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Experiment with different combinations of berries to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Make sure to let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Serving advice

Serve the Rocky Mountain Berry Delight at room temperature or slightly warmed. Accompany each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar before serving. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few extra berries for an elegant touch. Serve the pie on a rustic wooden platter to capture the essence of the Rocky Mountains.