“I still don’t even understand how this pie can come out so delicious with just these ingredients”

This recipe brings us back to the Great Depression era, where resourceful cooks created delicious desserts despite limited ingredients. Water pie is a testament to ingenuity, using pantry staples to create a surprisingly satisfying dessert.

Depression Era Water Pie: A Simple Yet Delicious Treat

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare (10 minutes):

   • Turn on your oven and preheat it to 400°F (204°C).
   • Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience, or try your hand at making your own homemade crust. Crimp the edges decoratively if desired. Set the prepared pie crust aside.

2. Make the Filling (5 minutes):

   • In the pie crust, directly pour in the water.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until they are well combined.
   • Evenly sprinkle the dry mixture over the water in the pie crust.

3. Add Flavor Boosters (2 minutes):

   • Cut the cold butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the top of the sugar mixture.
   • Drizzle the vanilla extract over the entire filling.

4. Bake the Pie (1 hour):

   • Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes at 400°F (204°C).
   • After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. The total baking time is around 1 hour, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

5. Cool and Serve (variable):

   • Take the pie out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set firmly. The cooling time can vary depending on the size and temperature of your kitchen.
   • Once cool, slice and serve the pie. Enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cook’s Notes:

• Feel free to get creative! You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced variation.
• To prevent spills and make handling easier, consider placing the pie pan on a baking sheet before putting it in the oven.