How to Make Washington Pie: A Delicious Slice of Americana

Washington Pie. It sounds incredibly patriotic, doesn’t it? But unlike its name suggests, this delightful dessert isn’t named after a place, but rather a person! Legend has it that this humble pie, with its simple yet satisfying flavors, was a favorite of George Washington himself.

This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through baking a Washington Pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to celebratory feasts. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• ¼ cup (60ml) ice water, plus more if needed

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Tools of the Trade:

• 9-inch pie plate
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry blender or fork
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Let’s Get Baking:

Making the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
5. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle.
7. Carefully transfer the dough to your pie plate and crimp the edges decoratively.

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
3. Stir in the baking powder and salt.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.

Assembling and Baking the Pie:

1. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
2. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
3. Cool the pie completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar.

Slice of Washington Pie

Tips for Pie Perfection:

• For a flakier crust, use shortening instead of butter.
• If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use two forks or even your fingers to cut the butter into the flour.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the crust tough.
• To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil during the first 30 minutes of baking.

FAQs About Washington Pie:

Q: Is Washington Pie the same as Boston Cream Pie?

A: While both are delicious, they are not the same! Boston Cream Pie is actually a cake with custard filling and chocolate ganache, while Washington Pie features a traditional pie crust and a simple, custard-like filling.

Q: Can I freeze Washington Pie?

A: Absolutely! You can freeze the baked and cooled pie for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

A Slice of History and a Delicious Dessert

Washington Pie offers a taste of history with every bite. “Many believe that this simple pie, made with pantry staples, was enjoyed in some form during the time of George Washington,” says culinary historian, Sarah Jenkins (source: “A History of Pie in America”). Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature, this pie is sure to become a family favorite.

Washington Pie Ingredients

Give this recipe a try and share your baking experience in the comments below! We’d love to hear your thoughts. And be sure to explore “Family Cuisine” for more delicious recipes and baking adventures. Happy baking!