Cherry Berry Slab Pie
Hello from the other side... of town? We made it. Mostly. I packed about 50 boxes, Moses packed a few more, and after seven hours of loading and unloading our many boxes and furniture, we're in the new space! It's been three sleeps now, and I've unboxed about 40 some boxes in the last two days. Can someone please send the unpacking and organizing fairies my way to help speed this along? I'm so excited to be in the new space and can't wait for it to be totally set. What's kinda nice is that we have to get everything unboxed by Thursday, because that's when our eco-friendly "boxes" are being picked up. They're really just heavy duty awesome pink bins and renting them made a world of difference. If you're ever moving, I highly recommend them.
While we still have a ton of stuff to figure out, like where the trash chute lives and what time the mail's usually delivered, we're loving the new space. In case you're interested, you can see the blank slate version of it here. Here's all the stuff we do know and love:
Our unit has a dishwasher (!!), a garbage disposal (!!), a washer/dryer (!!!), an ice maker in the freezer (!!), and super fast internet (!!!!!!!)! It's shaped like a giant rectangular box with the entry at the top with two bathrooms on either side, followed by two bedrooms on either side, and then one big open livdinkitching room.It's pretty rad here. Vienna came home from her mini vacay with her woof-pack (she was there while we moved) on Sunday night and did a full on investigation of the new space. She's still deciding if she likes it, but I'm fairly confident she'll learn to love it.
And gosh, as if this week couldn't get more exciting, I'm an aunty again!! Well, pretty much an aunty. My best friend Kammy and her hubby Henry just welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world yesterday and she's perfect. I cried tears of joy, told myself to pull it together, and then cried some more tears. My new little love is absolutely gorgeous and I'm already so smitten. I'm currently figuring out how to get myself back to Maui asap, 'cuz I must meet her!
Before all these big life changes happened, I made this cherry berry slab pie and promised to share it. And then life caught up to me and I nearly forgot. So, today, I'm keeping promises and sharing the recipe for this pie. I love a good slab pie because it's made for crust lovers. I feel like the crust to filling ratio is 100% perfect and it's oddly satisfying making a rectangular shaped pie instead of the usual roundy... and since Oregon cherries are in full swing right now and California's berry season is booming, now might be a good time to make a version for yourself! Happy Tuesday you guys and hugs from DTLA!!
INGREDIENTS
PIE DOUGH
5 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. finely ground almond flour
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1 1/4 tsp. table salt
32 Tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
10 Tbsp. ice water
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
FILLING
4 c. pitted fresh or thawed frozen cherries
4 c. fresh or thawed frozen mixed berries
3/4 to 1 c. granulated sugar
5 Tbsp. tapioca starch
2 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste
Pinch of salt
1 large egg lightly beaten with 1 tsp. water
1 Tbsp. turbinado sugar (optional)
TOOLS
Food processor
Glass measuring cup
Measuring spoons and cups
Mixing bowls
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Zester
Marble pastry board or other clean worksurface
Rolling pin
FIX
PIE DOUGH
In a food processor, fitted with the multi-purpose blade (the standard metal cutting one), combine the flours, sugar, and salt by pulsing about 5 times. Next, add the cubed butter and pull about 10 times or until the mixture resembles coarse meal. In a small bowl, combine the ice water and apple cider vinegar then add 9 tablespoons of the mixture to your dough and pulse 2 to 3 times to combine. The dough should hold together when squeezed with your fingers but should not be sticky. If it is crumbly, add more water 1 teaspoon at a time, pulsing twice after each addition. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and divide in half before shaping each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 400°F.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out 1 of the dough disks into a 20-by-15-inch rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Roll the dough around a rolling pin and unroll it on top of a baking sheet. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim the edges, leaving about 1/2-inch overhang.
Note: Dough can be prepared ahead. Refrigerate 1 week or freeze 1 month.
FILLING
In a large bowl, combine cherries, berries, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, tapioca starch, lemon juice and zest, almond extract, vanilla bean paste, and salt and gently toss together. Taste and add up to 1/4 cup more sugar if desired. Transfer to the dough-lined pan.
Roll out the remaining dough disk into another 20-by-15-inch rectangle. Cut into 1/4 inch (or desired width) strips diagonally and start to weave into lattice over the filling (see this recipe for some visual cues). Trim strips to fit the pan and roll bottom crust over, pressing and crimping to form a seal. Flute or decorate the edge of the crust as desired. Brush the crust with beaten egg mixture and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Bake until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling, 40 to 55 minutes. Tent with aluminum foil if needed to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraiche or a scoop of ice cream, and enjoy!
Note: Pie will keep refrigerated for 3 days or at room temperature for 2 days.
