West Texas Grapefruit Pie

West Texas Grapefruit Pie Recipe - A Citrusy Delight

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

West Texas Grapefruit Pie is a refreshing and tangy dessert that is perfect for warm weather. Made with fresh grapefruit and a gelatin filling, this pie is a unique and delicious treat that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The origins of West Texas Grapefruit Pie are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the West Texas region, where grapefruits are abundant. This pie is a popular dessert in the area and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

4 medium grapefruit
1 cup granulated sugar
1.75 cup strained grapefruit juice
2 tbsp cornstarch
0.13 tsp salt
3 oz (85 g) box strawberry gelatin
9 inches pie crust baked
1 cup whipping cream, whipped

How to prepare

Peel the grapefruit, then separate the sections and remove them from the membranes.
Place the sections in a strainer over a bowl and let them sit overnight.
In a saucepan, cook the sugar, juice, cornstarch, and salt until the mixture becomes thick and clear.
Add the gelatin and stir until it is fully dissolved.
Brush the gelatin mixture over the pie crust.
Chill both the gelatin mixture and the crust.
When the gelatin starts to thicken, add the grapefruit sections.
Pour the mixture into the pie crust and chill until it sets.
Top with whipped cream.

Variations

For a sweeter pie, you can add more sugar to the gelatin mixture.
You can also add a splash of rum or Grand Marnier to the gelatin mixture for a boozy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to strain the grapefruit sections overnight to remove excess juice and prevent the pie from becoming too watery.

- Be sure to let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before adding the grapefruit sections to prevent them from becoming mushy.

- For a more intense grapefruit flavor, you can add a few drops of grapefruit extract to the gelatin mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve West Texas Grapefruit Pie chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a refreshing and light dessert.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful West Texas Grapefruit Pie is to let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before adding the grapefruit sections. This will prevent the sections from becoming mushy and help the pie set properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh grapefruits, you can use canned grapefruit sections in water as a substitute. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the pie.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the gelatin mixture and pie crust ahead of time and assemble the pie just before serving. This will help save time and make the dessert preparation easier.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pie with fresh mint leaves or grapefruit zest for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

West Texas Grapefruit Pie pairs well with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let the pie sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of West Texas Grapefruit Pie contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of West Texas Grapefruit Pie contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of West Texas Grapefruit Pie contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of West Texas Grapefruit Pie contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Grapefruits are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (whipping cream) and gluten (pie crust).

Summary

West Texas Grapefruit Pie is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and high in vitamin C. However, it does contain a moderate amount of fat and carbohydrates.

Summary

West Texas Grapefruit Pie is a unique and refreshing dessert that is perfect for warm weather. Made with fresh grapefruit and a gelatin filling, this pie is a delicious treat that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for West Texas Grapefruit Pie. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little town in West Texas. Martha was known for her delicious homemade pies, and she had promised to teach me one of her most coveted recipes during my visit.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, Martha pulled out a large, ripe grapefruit from her fruit bowl and began to slice it with practiced precision. She explained that this pie was a specialty in West Texas, where the warm climate produced some of the juiciest and most flavorful grapefruits in the country.

I watched in awe as Martha worked her magic, combining the tart grapefruit juice with sugar, cornstarch, and a hint of vanilla. She poured the mixture into a flaky pie crust and popped it into the oven, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

As we waited for the pie to bake, Martha shared with me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The pie was a family tradition, served at special occasions and gatherings, and Martha had perfected the recipe over the years.

When the timer finally dinged, Martha pulled the pie out of the oven, its golden crust glistening with sugar. She cut us each a slice and handed me a fork. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of sweet and tangy flavors, with a buttery crust that melted in my mouth.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged Martha to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. We spent the rest of my visit in her kitchen, measuring and mixing, laughing and chatting as we baked pie after pie.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to share the recipe with my own family. I made the West Texas Grapefruit Pie for Sunday dinner, and it was an instant hit. The tangy citrus filling paired perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream, and my family couldn't get enough.

Over the years, I have continued to make Martha's West Texas Grapefruit Pie for special occasions and gatherings. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of that sunny day in Martha's kitchen, learning a cherished recipe from a dear friend.

As I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope they will feel the same joy and connection that I do when I bake this pie. It is more than just a dessert; it is a piece of my history, a taste of West Texas tradition that will live on for generations to come. And for that, I am truly grateful.