Making a pie quickly involves a few shortcuts and time-saving techniques. Here's a simple recipe for a fast and delicious fruit pie:
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade if you have one ready)
- 4 cups of your favorite fresh or frozen fruit (e.g., berries, apples, peaches, etc.)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the fruit)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, enhances the fruit's flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of milk or water) for brushing (optional)
- Extra sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Filling: If using fresh fruit, wash, peel (if necessary), and slice the fruit into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fruit, sugar, cornstarch or flour, lemon juice (if using), and ground cinnamon (if using). Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
Line the Pie Pan: Unroll the pre-made pie crust and gently press it into a standard 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edge and use your fingers to crimp the edges for a decorative look.
Add the Filling: Pour the fruit filling into the prepared pie crust. Spread it out evenly, and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Top the Pie: If you have another pie crust available, you can cover the pie with it and crimp the edges to seal. Alternatively, you can create a lattice crust or a simple crumble topping using pre-made ingredients like store-bought pie dough or granola.
Optional Egg Wash and Sugar: For a golden-brown finish, you can brush the top crust with an egg wash and sprinkle some sugar on top.
Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fruit is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for a bit before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Add a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
By using pre-made pie crust and shortcuts like canned or pre-cut fruit, you can significantly reduce the preparation time. Remember to adjust the sugar and spices to suit your taste, and you'll have a delicious pie ready in no time!