Is there anything more inviting than the scent of a warm, homemade pie? The idea of a fresh pie cooling with its intoxicating aroma wafting out to tempt some unsuspecting passersby can evoke hunger and nostalgia. (Even cartoon characters could never resist a pie cooling on a windowsill!) If your mouth is watering, we’re with you. We have our “eyes on pies” because August 1st is National Homemade Pie Day, and we feel like celebrating!
Berry Healthy and Delicious
Summer is berry season, so fruit-filled pies are at their very best. Blueberry pie, cherry pie, strawberry rhubarb pie, blackberry pie, peach pie, three-berry pie, apple pie, the list goes on and on. Besides tasting incredible, fruit pies can pack a nutritional punch into your day.
Berries are often considered “superfoods” because they are low in calories and contain necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Here are some fruit fun facts:
- Strawberries are especially high in Vitamin C, which helps the body grow and repair tissue.
- Blueberries are so rich in antioxidants that they have been linked to good brain health and may help prevent memory loss as we age.
- Berries contain magnesium, potassium, folate and fiber. These nutrients can help with digestion, reduce blood pressure, and may even help lower bad cholesterol.
- The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” might not have scientific backing, but making a point to incorporate natural, healthy foods into your diet every day is certainly beneficial to your body.
Fall In Love With Pork Pie
We don’t mean to push the seasons, but after we’ve had our fill of fruit pies, savory pie season is just around the corner. If you have a hankering for a more decadent, heartier pie, we have a favorite to share from our Sterling Chefs, LCB Senior Living’s renowned culinary team. (Be sure to follow The Sterling Chefs on Instagram to see all of the creative, seasonal, gourmet dishes that they whip up!)
Tourtieres (Pork Pie)
A tourtieres is a French Canadian meat-based pie that originated in Quebec. This tasty and belly-filling pie recipe can be your new favorite comfort food, and is special enough to make for a holiday celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 egg
- 1 pound lean ground pork
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- Two ready-to-bake pie crusts, one for the top and one for the bottom (or make you own if you prefer)
Directions
- Make your favorite mashed potatoes with salt, milk, butter and sour cream. Keep aside one cup. When cooled, mix in one egg to the cup of mashed potatoes.
- Brown the pork and beef in a large pan. Drain the grease into a colander.
- Saute the onion and garlic in butter and stir in thyme, sage, pepper, and cloves. Mix with drained meat and mashed potatoes.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Fill one of the pie shells with meat mixture. Place top crust on pie, press and pinch edges to seal. Cut four diagonal slits into the top crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve as is or with brown gravy. Serves up to 8.
No matter how you celebrate – with something sweet or savory – we hope you have a delicious and nutritious National Homemade Pie Day!