Old Boys Strawberry Pie: A Nostalgic Slice of Summer
Few desserts evoke the warmth and nostalgia of summer quite like a classic strawberry pie. But the “Old Boys Strawberry Pie” isn’t just any strawberry pie; it’s a recipe steeped in tradition, passed down through generations, and often whispered about with a reverence that borders on the sacred. This isn’t about fancy techniques or exotic ingredients. It’s about simple perfection, using the freshest, ripest strawberries to create a pie that tastes like sunshine and childhood memories.
This article will guide you through every step of crafting your own Old Boys Strawberry Pie, from selecting the perfect berries to achieving that flaky, golden-brown crust. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you back to simpler times.
## The Legend of the Old Boys Strawberry Pie
While the exact origins of this pie remain shrouded in mystery, the name suggests a connection to a group of men – perhaps a social club, a fraternal organization, or simply a gathering of friends – who perfected this recipe over time. Stories abound of secret ingredients and meticulous baking rituals, but the true magic lies in the shared experience and the love poured into each pie.
The key to unlocking the magic of the Old Boys Strawberry Pie isn’t just about following the recipe; it’s about embracing the spirit of camaraderie and the joy of creating something delicious together, even if you’re baking solo. Think of it as a tribute to the past and a celebration of simple pleasures.
## Ingredients: The Heart of the Pie
The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final result, so choose wisely. Here’s what you’ll need:
**For the Crust:**
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* ½ cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes
* 6-8 tablespoons ice water
**For the Filling:**
* 6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 2 ½ pounds)
* ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the berries)
* ¼ cup cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* Optional: 1/4 cup strawberry or red current jelly (for a shiny glaze).
**Equipment:**
* 9-inch pie plate
* Mixing bowls (various sizes)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or food processor
* Rolling pin
* Plastic wrap
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional)
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Masterpiece
Now, let’s dive into the baking process. Follow these steps carefully to create your own Old Boys Strawberry Pie:
### Part 1: Crafting the Perfect Crust
A flaky, tender crust is essential for any great pie. Here’s how to achieve it:
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of the salt, which is crucial for flavor.
2. **Incorporate the Fats:** Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to prevent the butter from melting), cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter and shortening.
*Why cold fats?* The cold fats create pockets of steam during baking, which results in a flaky crust. If the fats melt, the crust will be tough.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten in the flour and make the crust tough.
4. **Divide and Chill:** Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.
*Why chill the dough?* Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, preventing a tough crust. It also firms up the fats, which helps create flakiness.
### Part 2: Preparing the Strawberry Filling
While the crust is chilling, prepare the strawberry filling:
1. **Prepare the Strawberries:** Gently wash and hull the strawberries. Slice them into even pieces. The size of the slices is a matter of preference, but aim for consistency.
2. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Be gentle to avoid bruising the berries.
*Why cornstarch?* Cornstarch acts as a thickener, preventing the filling from becoming too runny during baking.
*Why lemon juice?* Lemon juice brightens the flavors and helps to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
3. **Rest the Filling:** Let the strawberry mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the sugar to draw out some of the juices from the berries, creating a more flavorful filling.
### Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Pie
Now for the exciting part – putting it all together:
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. **Roll Out the Bottom Crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough discs into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to your 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Trim any excess dough with a knife or kitchen shears, leaving about ½ inch overhang. Crimp the edges of the crust to create a decorative border.
*Tip:* If the dough is sticking to the surface, sprinkle a little more flour underneath. You can also roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
3. **Add the Filling:** Pour the strawberry filling into the prepared crust. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter. This adds richness and flavor.
4. **Roll Out the Top Crust:** Roll out the second chilled dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Gently place it over the strawberry filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Alternatively, you can cut the top crust into strips and create a lattice pattern.
*Tip:* To prevent the top crust from puffing up and cracking during baking, cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. You can also use cookie cutters to create decorative vents.
5. **Bake the Pie:** Place the pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (this will catch any drips). Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
*Why the initial high heat?* The initial high heat helps to set the crust quickly, preventing it from becoming soggy.
6. **Cool Completely:** Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is crucial, as the filling will continue to thicken as it cools. Trying to slice the pie while it’s still warm will result in a runny mess.
7. **Optional Glaze:** While the pie is still warm (but not hot), gently brush the top crust with melted strawberry or red current jelly. This will give the pie a beautiful, glossy finish.
## Tips for Success: Achieving Pie Perfection
* **Keep Everything Cold:** This is the golden rule of pie crusts. Use cold butter, cold shortening, and ice water. Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Handle the Dough Gently:** Avoid stretching or pulling the dough, as this can also lead to a tough crust.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** The amount of sugar in the filling can be adjusted depending on the sweetness of the strawberries. Taste the berries before adding the sugar and adjust accordingly.
* **Use High-Quality Strawberries:** The flavor of the pie will only be as good as the quality of the strawberries. Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best results.
* **Prevent Soggy Bottom Crust:** Blind bake the bottom crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling. This will help to prevent a soggy bottom crust. You can use pie weights or dried beans to weigh down the crust during blind baking.
* **Shield the Crust:** If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
* **Let it Cool Completely:** Resist the urge to slice the pie while it’s still warm. Cooling allows the filling to thicken and prevents a runny mess.
## Variations: Putting Your Own Spin on the Classic
While the classic Old Boys Strawberry Pie is a masterpiece in itself, there’s always room for a little experimentation. Here are a few variations to try:
* **Strawberry Rhubarb Pie:** Add 2 cups of chopped rhubarb to the strawberry filling for a tart and tangy twist.
* **Strawberry Blueberry Pie:** Substitute 2 cups of blueberries for 2 cups of strawberries for a berry-licious treat.
* **Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie:** Spread a layer of cream cheese filling (made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract) in the bottom of the crust before adding the strawberry filling.
* **Strawberry Almond Pie:** Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the strawberry filling and sprinkle slivered almonds on top of the crust before baking.
* **Use a Graham Cracker Crust:** For a quicker and easier option, use a pre-made graham cracker crust.
## Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Accompaniments
Old Boys Strawberry Pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments:
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream is the classic pairing for strawberry pie.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool and creamy contrast to the warm pie.
* **Crème Fraîche:** For a tangy and sophisticated twist, serve the pie with a dollop of crème fraîche.
* **Fresh Berries:** Garnish the pie with fresh strawberries or other berries for a beautiful presentation.
* **A Cup of Coffee or Tea:** The perfect way to complete a slice of pie is with a warm beverage.
## Storage: Keeping Your Pie Fresh
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover strawberry pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** Strawberry pie can be frozen, but the texture of the filling may change slightly. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
## Conclusion: A Taste of Tradition
The Old Boys Strawberry Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of tradition, camaraderie, and the simple pleasures of life. By following this recipe and putting your own personal touch on it, you can create a pie that will be cherished for generations to come. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a pie that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Enjoy!