Pies - Tarts

A trio of apples makes this superb. Feel freel to substitute your own region’s apples, but avoid Granny Smith and Red Delicious. I use graniteware for my best pies, or Emile Henry pottery pie dishes. This is a lovely, juicy pie that is wonderful anytime. For Valentine's Day, I forgo the cinnamon and toss in red heart candies instead. They offer their own brand of cinnamon and a reddish hue - Cupid's kiss in an apple pie?  For another sort of take on apple pie, visit Valentine's Day Apple Pie or Pie for Someone You Love

Smooth as silk, and r.e.al. chocolate filling. Diner delicious. This cream pie is served with whipped cream. But you can also recoup the egg whites (not used) and whip them into a meringue and offer a meringue-topped chocolate pie.

Even a bad strawberry rhubarb pie can make your heart flutter – such is our affection (for those of us who are fans) for this pie. But then there are some homemade strawberry rhubarb pies that are heavenly and literally change the way the earth turns. This is one such pie. Recently, on Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, I created the most magical SR pie I could. I took the strawberry rhubarb love affair to new heights. This pie also features a neat baker's trick in it (but relax, it's all natural) that ensures a luscious pie but not a gloppy, wet one. Here is a pie that is seductive with the freshest flavor of spring/summer combined.

 

What is more classic than Ontario butter tarts, oozing with a sublime brown sugar and butter filling that captivates in each, decadent bite? Butter tarts have been around since the 50’s, if not before, and are as popular now as they were then. Aside from tasting as luscious as possible, they use simple, on-hand ingredients like fresh creamery butter, pantry-ready brown sugar and raisins and use a basic  pie crust. This specialty butter tart is revamped. Instead of little squares or tiny tarts, it makes one large butter tart instead, taking a homey dessert of yesteryear into the realm of an elegant dessert. It is baked in either a 10 inch spring form pan or large tart pan (like a quiche pan) with a removable bottom. Just cut modest sized wedges (this is rich!) and serve with espresso or tea.

 

Very rich and best for a large Seder crowd. It can be made ahead but it keeps for days in the fridge. A thin wedge is all you need.

Puff pastry and peaches are a natural combination. Instant dessert without fuss ....just cachet to spare.

Grating pastry dough makes for a beautiful and unique presentation. The combination of peaches and apricots makes this moist and densely flavorful. There are some great baker's tips in the recipe (see bottom of recipe) to make this even better.

This is a flash of a pie that is as good as something out of a pastry shop but it literally takes minutes to prepare. It uses 2 frozen piecrusts, some fresh diced peaches and apricots (but you can use all peaches if you prefer; I just find apricots add some intense flavor, colour and a touch more pectin for a saucy filling). Add one preheated oven for pie that is ready in under an hour.