Seize the Summer!

Now that it's Labor Day Weekend, I guess you could say that summer is unofficially over. Womp. But that doesn't mean that summer fruit is gone! Be sure to take advantage of all of the sweetness of summer fruits (nectarines, plums, cherries, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries...the list goes on and on!) with this pie recipe.

Pie sounds daunting...it's a two-part deal. Crust and filling can seem like an overwhelming task for a new or infrequent baker. But fear not--this pie is not only incredibly easy to make, it also takes a mere 15 minutes to whip up. Who doesn't want a slice of that?

The Ultimate Summer Fruit Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F
2. Mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt
3. Cut in 1/2 cup of butter until the pieces of butter are smaller than peas. Be sure the butter is room temperature, or slightly softened. Cut in the butter by putting the butter into the mixed dry ingredients, and taking two knives and cutting through the butter in opposite directions.  

   

   Cutting Butter

4. Add 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar.
5. Spread in a 9" circular pie pan, pressing the dough firm and evenly up the sides.
6. Mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar*, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour**, a dash of cinnamon, and 2 heaping cups of fruit***.
7. Put the filling in the crust and bake it for 40-45 minutes. The crust may get brown on the edge, but don't worry it's not overdone!
8. Add 1 cup of fruit on top while the pie is still hot.
9. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top once it has cooled.
10. Enjoy!

The aftermath of my most recent Peach-Blackberry Pie.

*If the fruit you are using is more sweet than tart (sweet blueberries, plums, strawberries etc.) use less sugar.
**If the fruit you are using is juicy (nectarines, plums, strawberries, peaches etc. unlike blueberries) use more flour.
***Feel free to use any kind of fruit you like! I love combining different fruit, but a classic blueberry is always outstanding.

Let me know how it turns out! This pie will quickly become a summer staple; I hope you enjoy as much as my friends, family and I do!