Summer Mini Pies

I don't want to sound braggy, but I am really good at making pies. Like REALLY good. It's one of my strengths. What I lack in cake baking, I make up for in pie making. I especially love this season because fruit is at it's peak and it's a great time to pour sugar and butter all over it and make a pie.

A couple of Christmases ago, Andrew and I treated ourselves to a Breville Mini Pie maker! We were in Williams-Sonoma and it was calling our name. I love the mini pie maker, it's like a waffle maker, but for pies! It's ideal for parties, and a quick turnaround. Plus, who doesn't love their own personal pie? Crazy people that's who!

I've really been into pie making lately, so this is a recipe for a simple blue berry pie, made in your pie maker, or in a traditional pie plate.

Let's start with the crust.

Crust can make or break the pie. If you go for store bought crusts, you need to stop right now and repent. Pie crust is way too easy for you not to make yourself! Plus, you can always make a large batch and freeze the rest for future pies. I always trust this recipe from Pioneer Woman, the Pioneer Woman has never failed me.

It's almost time to make the filling, so go ahead and gather your ingredients. You will need:

Ingredients: 
1/3 cup of flour
1/4 cup of butter
1 cup of sugar
3 to 4 cups of blueberries
A few strawberries (optional)

Step 1: Before we hit the filling, let's roll get rolling! (pun intended) Start by flouring your work surface and your rolling pin. I like to keep a cup of flour handy in case I get into a sticky situation, literally. I am full of puns today!

Step 2: If you are making a traditional pie, you can roll your pie crust right onto your plate. If you are using the Breville, you have some nifty little crust cutters. I cut four bottom crusts, and then cut the rest of my dough into strips for use in the lattice crust later.

Step 3: Crust is ready, so that just leaves our filling! Mix your sugar, flour, and butter together in a bowl using your pastry cutter. You want to mix until it gets nice and crumbly.

Not quite...

Just right!

Step 4: Now that your filling and crust is ready to go, make sure your blueberries and washed and ready! I also added a few strawberries.

Now, if you are working with the Breville, it's time to plug it in. Once it is heated, you are going to have to work quickly because everything starts baking as soon as you place it. If you are using a regular pie plate, prop your feet up and relax, put on your favorite show -- you have all the time in the world.

Step 5: Place your crust! The Breville also comes with another little tool that pushes your crust into the iron for you.

Step 6: Moving at a lightning speed! Spoon a layer of you butter/sugar/flour mixture into the bottom of each crust, followed by a layer of fruit, followed by another layer of butter/sugar/mixture. If you are using a regular pie plate, you will probably have a few extra layers.

Step 7: Still moving at lightning speed! Grab your strips of dough that you made earlier, and start working that lattice crust. You will only need 4 per pie. Over, under, over, under!

Step 8: Once you have woven your crust, shut that lid it's time to bake! You have 10 minutes, which is plenty of time to speed clean your kitchen. Go!

Time lapse, 10 minutes later...

Wallah! Perfect mini pies!

These were so pretty! But does it pass the taste test?

Yes, yes it does

These pies are Sallie tested, and chicken approved. 

This recipe will also work for peaches, and blackberries. Just swap out the blueberries for your favorite fruit, or work with a combination. Blueberry Peach pie is UH-mazing.

Happy baking!

xoxo Sallie