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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

I entered a pie competition

 

IMG_3042

This past Sat, I entered a pie competition.  Keep in mind, I have never really made pie.  I have made pie but I always cheat.  I never made a homemade crust until now.  I tried using my empanada dough but it never worked right.  So I set out to actually make a homemade pie.  The competition was hosted by The French Pastry school.  The rules stated that I had to incorporate raisins and fruits. 

My issues with this:

1. I hate, hate raisins

2. I could never get fruit to bake well

3. What the heck goes with raisins

 

To me, the only thing that should have raisins is bread pudding which I don’t eat and empanada.  That is it!  So I did some test recipes which all I ditched but I decided the day of the competition just to wing it. 

 

Here is the recipe.  There are multiple parts to this recipe :D

Plum Crumb Pie with whipped Mascarpone Cheese

Crust
400g of All Purpose flour
60g of Sugar
1g of Salt    
40g of Almond Meal 
1lb of Butter in 1/2 inch cubes
6-8 Tbs of Ice Cold Water
Directions

  1. Place all the dry ingredients in the food processor.
  2. Blend until it is well incorporated.  Slowly add the butter.
  3. Try to achieve a crumble stage than slowly add the water 1 tablespoon at a time.
  4. Once it is still crumble but slightly moist, place in the refrigerator wrapped in saran wrap.
  5. Let it chill for at least an hour.
  6. Remove from the refrigerator and roll it out to the desired size.  
  7. Assemble

Filling
915g of Sliced Plums
85g of Sugar
77g of Slivered Almond
206g Golden Raisins Soaked in Orange Juice 
4g of Vanilla  
43g of a Grated Granny Smith Apple
Directions
  1. Combine all the ingredients and pour into prepared pie tins. 

Crumble Topping
150g of All Purpose flour
90g of Sugar
80g of Oatmeal
84g of Slivered Almonds
240g of  Butter  in 1/2 inch cubes
Directions
  1. Combine all the dry ingredients .
  2. Slowly add the butter until it creates large crumbs.
  3. Top the pie.

Bake
  1. Bake for 45 minutes to  hour at 350F.
  2. Let it cool to room temp.

Mascarpone Topping
200g of Whipping Cream
30g of Sugar
90g of Mascarpone Cheese
2g of Vanilla  
Directions
  1. Whip the cream until it achieves soft peak stage.
  2. In another bowl, whip the rest of the ingredients until it becomes smooth.
  3. Gently fold the cream into the cheese mixture.
  4. Place in a piping bag and top the pie.

 

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IMG_3040This is topped with the Whipped Cream.  The Husband said I should have left it out.  I liked it :D

IMG_3041This is the line of pies

 

I didn’t place but it was great experience.  If there is another one, I would participate again!

17 comments:

  1. Wow what a great looking pie!

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  2. Congratulations on your first homemade pie crust. Sorry you didn't pace in the competition but regardless your pie looks delicious. Good luck nest year.

    Anna

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  3. I'm glad you had such a great experience with the contest, I'm sure you will place next year! it's awesome that you even participated.. i don't know if I would be able to do that.

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  4. ooOOoh pie contests. crazy. those are the equivalent of half marathons or something, lol!

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  5. Well, I think you did amazingly well as a first time crust-maker! Your pie looks delicious. I love your choice of filling too: can never go wrong with plums!

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  6. Congrats even if you didn't place. Making a beautiful one out of scratch is a winner to me.:)

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  7. Congrats for making the pie without cheating!

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  8. Your pie looks yummy. Wish you good luck in the competition.

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  9. I think all of the flavors you used sound scrumptious! I love the almond meal in your crust and the combo of fruit you used in your filling. And crumble toppings are my favorite for pies. Thanks so much for your sweet comments and support in the competition!

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  10. For never making a pie that looks pretty impressive!

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  11. thanks everybody. The Husband actually laughed at me when I told him since I never really made one.

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  12. Looks like a winner to me. Very good for your first pie crust! Good Luck in the competition!

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  13. Popped in to say hi! I would love to enter a pie competition!

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  14. You are braver than I am. Live food competitions scare me. Your pie is beautiful. It's hard to believe it was your first one made all the way from scratch.

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  15. What a beautiful pie...and the mascarpone cream, is even tastier than ordinary whipped cream. You sure did a superb job, if this is your first pie crust. Looks real flaky, and delicious with the plum. Congratulations!

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  16. Even if you don't win, it's always fun to participate just for the experience!! Your pie looks great--good job!

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