Raspberry-Rhubarb Streusel Pie...a lesson in simplicity

like themselves...to through the preparation process enhance the innate charms

seasonings aren't necessary to accomplish this. it is true that a multitude of

delicious subtlety...but more often than not

years ago i posted a rhubarb pie

friend and the pie was delicious. the

walnuts and spices combined

raspberries to the mix would only make it better. i was wrong

the new pie tasted of nothing. it

as is often the case when something like

berry pies) from a little lemon

but because of the other strong flavors it still didn't have the clean

fruit flavor that is the hallmark of a fruit pie

i then got rid of all the spices but one

walnuts ). i also increased the lemon juice in the

place...calling attention to itself rather than supporting the delicious raspberry

back up. so i made a simple oatmeal

lemon zest

tasted like what it was...delicious fruit in a tender crust

topping

lemon zest

vanilla bean might seem to some like a complicated addition...but to me

lemon zest

standard addition to pies that include lemon juice....it adds an aromatic

quality to what is otherwise just the acidity of the lemon. as

adding some vanilla extract when i ran across another raspberry and rhubarb pie

that included vanilla bean instead. since

my very favorite jam—damson plum—goes from delicious to spectacular when made

think it's delicious...but you should feel free to leave it (and the zest) out

just a simple

the combination of the raspberries and the rhubarb provides all the

raspberry-rhubarb streusel pie

flour

oats—quick

granulated sugar

brown sugar

salt

butter

sugar

lemon zest

vanilla bean

salt

cornstarch

rhubarb

raspberries

juice of lemon

recipe pâte brisée

rolled out

coarse crumbs; chill

preheat the oven to 425°. the vanilla pod and scrape the seeds into

the sugar in a bowl.

pod ) add

lemon zest

lemon zest

add the salt and cornstarch and stir to distribute. place the rhubarb and lemon juice in a

until moistened. add the raspberries

gently fold in. turn the fruit into the crust

spread the streusel evenly over the fruit

transfer the pie to the lowest the oven. bake the pie at 425°

streusel is golden brown

pie and the bottom crust is browned—another minutes. if the juices ever

the pie to before cutting

just before cutting. serve

cream

if you prefer your rhubarb to be more heavily

you may leave the vanilla bean out...or substitute a of vanilla extract. add

pâte brisée

flour

salt

butter

vegetable shortening

ice water

combine the flour and the salt in a bowl. rub the butter into

the flour until the mixture looks like cornmeal and peas. add the shortening and quickly rub in. drizzle ice water over the flour/butter

from you in short forward strokes

the dough is flat. using a bench scraper

forming it into a single clump as you do. wrap in plastic wrap and press into a

to roll out

pie plate and set it aside. flour the work surface and the rolling pin

begin rolling from the center of the dough outward. after each stroke

the dough a quarter turn—always making sure that there is sufficient flour to

keep the dough from sticking. keep rolling and turning until you have a round of

dough that is in thickness. using a lid

upside-down bowl

flour and fold the dough circle in half. slide the ou read fingers of both

hands under the dough and gently lift it and transfer it to the pie

plate. unfold the dough and ease it into the pan being careful not to stretch

it. fold the extra dough under along the rim of the pan so that it is double in

thickness. crimp the edge. chill the pie shell

note: you may replace the vegetable shortening

printable recipe

as much as i promote the idea of

simplicity in the foods that i make

every now and then i find that i have to learn this lesson all over again. my goal is always to make foods that taste

memorable whole. i thought adding some

was sort of sweet...sort of tart...sort of spicy... but there was just too much going on...too much

vying

this happens

much better ...but the streusel was still out of

it was then that i realized that i needed to

they are not. they fall solidly into the

if you prefer. either way

complexity one might need

minutes. cover the edges

bake

threaten to over-flow

up”). if desired

together

into a mound. using the heel of your hand

disk. chill