As you know I was away this weekend to Ipswich to Jimmys Farm and I had a fabulous time! It was just wonderful and I can't wait to share it all with you, but I am exhuasted now. A distinct reminder to me that "the old grey mare" definitely ain't what she used to be!!
Yep . . . the wind is definitely missing from my sailsat the moment! I really want to do the whole experience proper justice, and so . . . for now, you're not getting Jimmy. You're not even getting Pork. You're getting black currants and a Pie I made for Todd the day before I left. I figured it was the least he deserved . . . he did not complain.
The Black Currants are coming fast and furious now in my garden now and with the warm humid weather we have been having, well . . . I know that if I don't get them all picked asap, I will lose a lot to the birds . . . or them overripening . . . I'm ok with sharing with the birds. They need to live too. I just want to get my own share's worth first!
I don't make my own jams anymore. With just the two of us, it's just not feasible. That means I have to do something else with the fruit that we grow and pick. I do try to bake crumbles, cakes, pies etc. with whatever fresh fruit that is in season at the moment, and I try hard to freeze some to enjoy in the winter ahead.
This pie is simple and delicious. You can have it warm with some custard, or ice cream, creme fraiche or even with some clotted cream. You will want somethiing rich and creamy to contrast with that crisp pastry and the sweet/tart fruit. Be back soon with the scoop on the One Pig Weekend, and Jimmy's Farm. You won't want to miss this!
*Deep Dish Black Currant Pie*
makes one 8 inch pie
Printable Recipe
A beautiful deep dish pie that is at once sweet and yet tart, and oh so oozingly delicious! This is fabulous!
For the Pastry:
170g plain flour (approximately 1 1/4 cups)
a pinch of salt
100g unsalted butter (7 TBS)
1 medium egg yolk
Cold water, to combine
For the Filling:
350g fresh blackcurrants, washed, picked over, topped and tailed (abput 4 cups)
150g granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon cornflour (corn starch)
Milk and extra sugar to glaze
To make the pastry, sift the flour with the salt into a large bowl. Rub in the butter with your fingertips, until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Beat the egg yolk together with 2 tablespoons of water and add to the butter mixture. Mix to a firm dough with a fork. Shape into two flat rounds, and then chill, wrapped for at least 30 minutes before using.
Preheat your oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4.
Put the blackcurrants into a bowl and sprinkle with the sugar and cornflour. gently turning them with a spoon until they all get coated with the sugar and corn flour.
Roll out half of the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit in the bottom of a 7 to 8 inch deep pie dish, along with some overhang. Line the pie tin with this. FIll with the fruit sugar mixture.
Roll out the remainder of the pastry in a round large enough to cover the top of the pie. Brush the edges of the bottom crust all the way around with some milk. Apply the top crust and trim, pinching and folding the edge to seal. (Flute according to your preference.) Cut a few slashes in the top to vent. Brush with more milk and extra sugar.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the pastry is golden brown. Serve warm with some ice cream, custard or creme fraiche. Delicious!
Hi Marie,
ReplyDeleteThe pie looks delicious. We do not really have blackcurrants here in Australia (and it is winter here, too). Which other berry would you suggest using?
cheers, Kaye
Wow looks fabulous! I love balckcurrants but you don't see them that often in the shops. Would a can of blackcurrants work do you think?
ReplyDeleteKatie, I think drained tinned black currants would work fine!! Kaiser blueberries would make a good substitution!!
ReplyDeleteThankyou we've a glut on the allotment and will be making this next time we pick them :)
ReplyDeleteSo happy it will be enjoyed Amy! xo
DeleteJust made the pie with home grown blackcurrants,sweet pastry lovely,but too much liquid when I came to cut,nothing to hold the fruit,what can I do?
ReplyDeleteI think the berries might be too watery this year because of all the rain we have had. Not sure. Next time add more cornflour? Sorry that I can't be more helpful. You could also try making the filling and cooking it on top of the stove ahead of time, thickening it as you desire. Let it cool and then fill the pie. Hope this helps. xoxo
DeleteWhen using berries that produce a little more liquid, and you want to firm it up, I use a mixture of 2tbs conrstarch and 4 tbs of granulated tapioca (or sometime also known as quick cooking tapioca) mixed with your desired amount of sugar. Mix with your fruit and let stand for 15 mins in your bowl as it helps break down the tapioca before baking. Prebake your pie shell also as this will ensure that your crust does not get soaked and wet. Bake in a 350 to 375 deg oven for about 50-60 mins. It is literally my go to mix for all berries nowadays.
DeleteThat's great advice! Thank you for sharing! xoxo
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