Depression Era Water Pie Recipe
Water pie, a simple and delicious dessert born during the Great Depression, is a testament to resourcefulness and creativity in the face of hardship. This unique pie uses water as its primary ingredient, along with a few pantry staples, to create a surprisingly satisfying and comforting treat. The pie’s delicate custard-like filling and buttery crust make it a perfect ending to any meal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Deep dish 9-inch pie crust (unbaked) | 1 |
| Water | 1 1/2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 4 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter, sliced | 5 tablespoons |
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the pie crust: Place your unbaked deep dish pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Mix the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Gradually add the water, whisking continuously until all ingredients are combined and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling into the crust: Carefully pour the filling mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Add butter: Place the sliced butter evenly on top of the filling.
- Bake the pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling has set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy it warm or cold, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
ADVERTISEMENT
- For a more flavorful crust, use a homemade pie crust.
- If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use almond extract or a few drops of vanilla essence.
- The pie will be very watery when you first take it out of the oven, but it will thicken as it cools.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Enjoy this delicious and nostalgic dessert, a reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit.
ADVERTISEMENT
