Pie

Sep01

Here’s a simple recipe for blackberry pie:

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups fresh blackberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 double pie crust

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice until well combined.
  3. Roll out one of the pie crusts and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
  4. Pour the blackberry mixture into the pie crust.
  5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the blackberry mixture. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  7. Allow the pie to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade blackberry pie!

Did you know that blackberries can be grown in the Okanagan?

There are several blackberry varieties that are well-suited for growing in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. Some of the best varieties for this area include:

  1. Chester – a thornless variety that produces large, sweet berries in mid to late summer.
  2. Triple Crown – a thornless variety that produces large, firm berries with a sweet, tart flavour in late summer to early fall.
  3. Navaho – a thornless variety that produces large, firm berries with a sweet flavour in mid to late summer.
  4. Natchez – a thornless variety that produces large, sweet berries in early to mid-summer.
  5. Marion – a thorny variety that produces medium-sized, juicy berries with a sweet, tart flavour in mid to late summer.

 

May12

Here is a recipe for classic rhubarb pie:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds rhubarb, trimmed and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Toss until the rhubarb is coated evenly with the mixture.
  3. Roll out one of the pie crusts and place it into a 9-inch pie dish.
  4. Pour the rhubarb mixture into the pie crust, then dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
  5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the filling. Use a knife to trim any excess dough, then crimp the edges of the crusts together.
  6. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top crust, to allow steam to escape during baking.
  7. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  8. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious rhubarb pie!

The Best Rhubarb varieties in the Okanagan

There are several rhubarb varieties that grow well in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. Here are a few popular ones:

  1. Victoria: This is a classic rhubarb variety that is known for its deep red color and sweet-tart flavor. It is a prolific grower and does well in the Okanagan’s climate.
  2. Valentine: Another red-stemmed variety, Valentine produces thick, juicy stalks that are great for pies, crisps, and other desserts.
  3. Cherry Red: This is a newer variety that is gaining popularity in the Okanagan. It has bright red stalks and a sweeter flavor than some other varieties.
  4. MacDonald: This is a green-stemmed variety that is known for its large size and tart flavor. It is a good choice for savoury dishes as well as desserts.
  5. Glaskins Perpetual: This is a pink-stemmed variety that produces stalks throughout the growing season, making it a good choice for those who want a steady supply of rhubarb.

No matter which variety you choose, be sure to plant your rhubarb in a well-drained area with plenty of sunlight. Rhubarb plants are generally low-maintenance and will produce for many years with proper care.