Sweet Temptations on Ice: Freezer-Friendly Raspberry and Blueberry Mini Pies
In the realm of frozen treats, there's something particularly delightful about reaching into the freezer and discovering a scrumptious dessert waiting to be enjoyed.
Today, we delve into the world of freezer-friendly pies, where the vibrant flavors of raspberries and blueberries come together in bite-sized delights. Discover the art of freezing mini pies to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify before vacuum sealing for long-term preservation. Join us as we explore the process of creating these delectable treats, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings throughout the year.
Recipe: Raspberry and Blueberry Mini Pies
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- - 1 teaspoon salt
- - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- - 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- - 2 cups fresh raspberries
- - 2 cups fresh blueberries
- - ¼ cup granulated sugar
- - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For Assembly and Freezing:
- - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- - Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- - Vacuum sealer bags or airtight containers
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pie Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, and wrap each disc in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to rest.
2. Making the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, gently toss together the raspberries, blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest until the berries are evenly coated. Set the filling aside.
3. Assembling the Mini Pies:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one chilled pie crust disc on a lightly floured surface until it is approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, each about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the berry filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold one side of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Freezing and Vacuum Sealing:
- Place the assembled mini pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg wash and sprinkle them with granulated sugar for a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the pies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, transfer the pies to the freezer and let them harden for at least 1-2 hours.
- Remove the hardened pies from the freezer and vacuum seal them in bags or place them in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn and preserve their freshness.
5. Serving the Frozen Pies:
- When ready to enjoy, simply remove a frozen pie from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Alternatively, reheat the pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve the thawed or warmed mini pies as a delightful frozen treat, perfect for any season.
With the simple art of freezing and vacuum sealing, these raspberry and blueberry mini pies offer a burst of fruity sweetness year-round.
The process of freezing these delectable treats allows the flavors to intensify and the crust to maintain its buttery crispness. Whether you're craving a summery delight or a cozy winter indulgence, these freezer-friendly mini pies are a delightful addition to any dessert repertoire. So, embrace the joy of pulling out a perfectly preserved pie from your freezer, savor the flavors, and let these sweet treats transport you to a world of pure culinary bliss.
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