Blueberry Pie - National Pie Day

Created by the American Pie Council, National Pie Day is dedicated to the celebration of pie. 

As part of our American heritage, this day is a perfect opportunity to pass on the love and enjoyment of pie eating and pie making to future generations. The American Pie Council® is encouraging pie lovers across the nation to throw a pie party in celebration of National Pie Day. Hosting a pie baking - and pie tasting - party for friends or coworkers, or to raise money for a favorite charity, are all delicious ways to celebrate on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. Why is National Pie Day celebrated on Jan. 23 or 1/23? Because celebrating the wholesome goodness of pie is as easy as 1-2-3.

Blueberry Pie

Pie Making Tips

1. Read the recipe in its entirety before beginning. Make sure you have all of the ingredients and utensils and make sure that you understand all of the directions. Many mistakes have been made skipping steps.
2. Cold ingredients are essential to making a great pie crust It even helps to have cold bowls and utensils. . In addition, be sure to chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out. Keeping the shortening cold ensures a nice flaky crust!!
3. Don't overwork or overhandle the dough. Your shortening/butter should be coated with flour mixture, not blended with it. Over-processing causes gluten to form, a substance that toughens the dough. It's even a good idea to have cold hands before handling.
4. Carefully transfer the dough into your Emile Henry pie dish (the "Official Pie Dish" of the American Pie Council). Fit the dough into the dish (avoid stretching). Trim the dough to 1" inch over hang and tuck it under itself to create a thick rim.
5. With the index finger on one hand, press the dough against the thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand; continue around the perimeter of the crust and dish following the natural flute of the Emile Henry pie dish.
6. To ensure that your bottom crust is finished, bake pie in the lower third of the oven. You may have to cover the edges with foil or a crust protector to avoid overbrowning the edges.
7. Make sure that all of your ingredients are really fresh. Try making fruit pies when the fruits are in season to ensure a wonderful pie.

To see more beautiful blue things,

go to Smily Sally to participate in BLUE MONDAY.