Homestead Raisin Pie

Homestead Raisin Pie Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Homestead Raisin Pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This sweet and tangy pie is made with plump raisins and a creamy filling, all baked in a flaky pie crust.

History

Homestead Raisin Pie has its roots in traditional American baking. Raisins were a popular ingredient in early American cooking, as they added sweetness and texture to desserts. This pie became a staple in homestead kitchens, where ingredients like raisins were readily available.

Ingredients

1 baked pie shell
1.33 cups seeded raisins
2 cups water
3 egg yolks
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
3 egg whites

How to prepare

In a saucepan, add raisins to water and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks, sugar, vinegar, and flour until light and creamy.
Slowly add the egg yolk mixture to the raisins, stirring constantly, and cook for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in butter. Allow the mixture to cool until lukewarm.
Pour the raisin mixture into a pie shell and top with well-beaten egg whites.
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm and spicy flavor.
Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different twist on this classic pie.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the raisins in water before adding them to the filling. This helps plump them up and infuse them with moisture.

- When adding the egg yolk mixture to the raisins, be sure to stir constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

- For a golden brown meringue topping, be sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form before spreading them over the pie.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Homestead Raisin Pie warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to bake the pie at a high temperature to ensure the meringue topping is golden brown and cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have raisins on hand, you can use dried currants or chopped prunes as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for Homestead Raisin Pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of Homestead Raisin Pie on decorative dessert plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy a slice of Homestead Raisin Pie with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Homestead Raisin Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- 280 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 30g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6%

- Vitamin C: 2%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains eggs and wheat

Summary

Homestead Raisin Pie is a sweet and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a delicious treat to enjoy in moderation.

Summary

Homestead Raisin Pie is a classic dessert that is sure to delight your taste buds. With a sweet and tangy filling and a fluffy meringue topping, this pie is a perfect treat for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Mildred at her homestead in the countryside. We spent the day picking fresh fruits and vegetables from her garden, and as the sun began to set, she invited me into her cozy kitchen to make a pie together.

Aunt Mildred was a master in the kitchen, and I always admired her cooking skills. She had a way of making simple ingredients come together to create the most delicious dishes. As we gathered our ingredients for the pie, she reached into an old wooden recipe box and pulled out a faded index card with the words "Homestead Raisin Pie" written in beautiful cursive.

She explained to me that this recipe had been passed down in our family for generations, originating from our ancestors who settled on this very homestead many years ago. The pie was a staple in their diet, made with ingredients they grew and harvested themselves. As she read through the recipe, I could see the love and pride in her eyes as she shared this piece of our family history with me.

The process of making the pie was a labor of love. We soaked the raisins in warm water to plump them up, then mixed them with sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. The smell of the spices filled the kitchen, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere. We rolled out the pie crust and carefully placed the raisin filling inside, sealing it with another layer of dough.

As the pie baked in the oven, Aunt Mildred told me stories of our ancestors and how they worked hard to build a life on this land. She shared memories of her own childhood, helping her mother in the kitchen and learning the art of cooking from a young age. I listened intently, taking in every word and savoring the time spent with her.

When the pie was finally done, we eagerly sliced into it and savored the first bite. The filling was sweet and tangy, with just the right amount of spices to give it that homestead flavor. It was a taste of history, a connection to our roots that brought us closer together.

From that day on, Homestead Raisin Pie became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for special occasions and family gatherings, sharing the recipe with my own children and grandchildren. Each time I bake the pie, I am reminded of that special day with Aunt Mildred and the bond we shared over a simple but delicious dessert.

As I pass on this recipe to future generations, I hope they too will feel the love and pride that comes with making Homestead Raisin Pie. It is more than just a dessert – it is a piece of our family history, a reminder of where we come from and the traditions that bind us together. And for that, I am forever grateful.