HOW TO PREPARE SASKATOON BERRY PIE.

Saskatoon berry pie is a delicious dessert that highlights the unique flavor of Saskatoon berries, also known as serviceberries. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe to prepare Saskatoon berry pie:

Ingredients:

For the Pie Filling:

4 cups Saskatoon berries, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of berries and personal preference)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Pie Crust:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
6-8 tablespoons ice water

For Assembly:

1 tablespoon milk or cream (for brushing the crust)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pie Crust:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. 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, mixing gently with a fork or your hands until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Pie Filling:

In a separate bowl, gently toss together the Saskatoon berries, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the berries to release their juices.

Assemble the Pie:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled pie dough into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
Spoon the Saskatoon berry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.

Top the Pie:

Roll out the second disc of chilled pie dough into a circle large enough to cover the pie. You can leave it whole for a traditional top crust or cut it into strips for a lattice crust. Arrange the dough over the filling as desired.

Finish and Bake:

Trim and crimp the edges of the pie crust. If using a whole top crust, cut a few slits in the center to allow steam to escape during baking.
Brush the top crust with milk or cream and sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar.

Bake the Pie:

Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the Saskatoon berry pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the filling set.
Serve slices of pie on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips:

Fresh vs. Frozen Berries: You can use either fresh or frozen Saskatoon berries for this pie. If using frozen berries, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Storage: Cover any leftover pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Saskatoon berry pie, a delightful taste of Canadian summer!