Triple-Berry Pie

My Triple-Berry Pie is a staple in our house during the holidays.  I had to learn how to make it when my Husband and I got married as he is the biggest berry pie lover on the planet!  AND, if you're like me, you're planning your Thanksgiving menu last minute.  AACK!  One of the best reasons I like this berry pie is that it's super easy to throw together and tastes just as delicious made the day before as it does fresh...warm or cold...and seriously WAY better than anything store bought!  Score!

{triple~berry pie}
makes one pie

16 oz. frozen mixed berries, your choice (I use the purple bag of mixed berries at Costco and use my scale to measure)
6 T. granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 c. cornstarch
1 egg, scrambled (optional)
dough for two pie crusts

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Thaw berries in large mixing bowl with juices. In separate small bowl, combine dry ingredients; pour on top of thawed berries with juices.  Mix well using rubber spatula.  Pour into pie crust.  Top with lattice top, or desired top designed pie crust.  Brush top of pie with either scrambled egg wash or milk to achieve a more golden color.  Bake 45-55 minutes or until golden. Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream or topped with whipped cream.

OR you could make my all-time favorite Egg Nog Pie. Just remember to invite me over for a slice! YUM!!

EggNog Pie

So, I'm finally following through with my promise of sharing my family recipe for our incredible eggnog pie.  I'm sorry it has taken so long, I didn't forget.  I've just had things going on.

 This is our spread of pies we had for 12 adults and 5 children under the age of 6!  YUM!  

(Top to bottom: Pumpkin, Triple Berry, EggNog) (Table Left to Right: Lemon Meringue, Banana Cream, Sugar Cream)

Now keep in mind, if you don't like eggnog, chances of you enjoying this pie are slim to none.  Also, between the custardy-type gelatinous filling and the whip cream topping, no calories or fat were spared.  Eat and enjoy with every mouthwatering bite.  I know I'm going to!!!

{eggnog pie}

 2 envelopes plain gelatin
1/3 to 1/2 c. dairy eggnog*
1 1/2 c. dairy eggnog*
3 eggs separated
1/2 c. sugar, divided
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 pint to 1 pint of whipping cream (depends on how much you like!)
Shavings of either bittersweet or semisweet chocolate to top the pie with
1-9" baked pie shell, cooled

1. Heat the 1 1/2 c. of eggnog in the top of a double boiler.
2. Soak the gelatin in 1/3 to 1/2 c. eggnog for 5 min.
3. Combine beaten egg yolks with 1/4c.sugar.
4. Pour egg yolk mixture into heated eggnog.  Cook over hot (not boiling) water, stirring until mixture coats a silver spoon.
5. Remove from heat.  Add gelatin mixture and stir until dissolved, cool.
6. Beat the egg whites until stiff, not dry and slowly add remaining 1/4 c. sugar, beating until stiff.
7. Slowly fold the cooled custard into the egg whites.
8. Add vanilla.
9. If desired, transfer mixture back to double boiler pan to cool in the fridge.  Chill until congealed (stir at least two times while thickening), then pour into the baked crust & chill until stiff.
10. Top with whipped cream and shavings of chocolate.  Finish edges using piping bag and desired tip design.

Keep refrigerated.  DO NOT cover with plastic wrap.  It will affect the flavor of your pie.

*Be sure to use to use PURE dairy eggnog only.  The best brand for this pie is called Southern Comfort.  (I've found it mostly at Reams.  You can sometimes find it at some Wal-Marts, too.)  Nothing fancy.  BUT if you try any other brands, you'll be sorely disappointed.  No lie.

Do you have a favorite?

In gearing up for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, my Mom and I were discussing our favorite pie selections. Of course, my favorites vary from hers, but that's okay.  Whenever we have Thanksgiving dinner at my parent's house, we usually end up with about 5-7 pies to choose from.  All this for usually only 12 adults and 5 children all under age 6.  There's always leftovers...and we LOVE that!  This year I'm only making one pie.  It seems weird for me to only be making one.  I enjoy baking and LOVE pies.

What's our selection this year?

Triple-Berry
Lemon Meringue
 
Egg Nog (Non-Alcoholic)
Pumpkin (I know it's a classic, but I really could do without it)
Sugar Cream Pie
Banana Cream Pie (if my sis-in-law hasn't had her baby and is willing at 10 month pregnant)

I'm making the Triple-Berry.  It's my husband's favorite, so I've perfected it.  Though since I've been married, my Mom has taught me how to make the Lemon Meringue and Egg Nog, she's going to make those this year. 

Which is my favorite, you ask?  Oh!  That's EASY!!!!

EGG NOG!

Yes.  I {HEART} Egg Nog Pie.  I've tried a few different varieties, but the one I grew up on is my favorite.  All the other pies can be made year round...but not Egg Nog.  I count down to when the Egg Nog is available for purchase.  I bought a Halloween adorned box this year, too!

I can't wait to share the recipes I have for all of these amazing family favorite pies AFTER Thanksgiving.  Because really, my jeans cannot afford making extra before Thanksgiving just to blog about it.  So sorry.  You'll just have to wait it out and enjoy them between Thanksgiving and Christmas!  And you will WANT to make them!  They're THAT  good!

BUT as these pie-making thoughts swirl around in my subconscious, I wonder,
"WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PIE?"

Pumpkin Tarte with chocolate crust?

Coconut Creme?

Traditional Chocolate Cream?

No matter how you look at it, I think Thanksgiving is going to be filled with many thankful hearts for giving thanks for many MANY things!  I know I will be!