25776 Mixed Berry and Anise Pie 1 hr 45 mins, plus cooling time 30 mins 1 (9-inch) pie Mon Jun 01 13:30:00 -0700 2009 Thu Aug 27 11:00:21 -0700 2009 Medium American CHOW http://www.chow.com/recipes/25776 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:00:21 GMT Anise lurks in the background in the best possible way Berries are the main attraction here, while anise lurks in the background in the best possible way. On its own anise can be overwhelming, but using just a smidgen has the same effect as adding bitters to a cocktail: It lurks in the background in the best possible way. For this classic berry pie, the slight licorice note helps bring out the floral flavors in the berries and evens out the tart and sweet extremes of the pie.

Game plan: Freezing shortening makes it easier to work with; keep some in the freezer for when you want to make this incredibly tender pie crust.

What to buy: Anise extract has a delicate licorice flavor that adds a subtle floral note when combined with the berries in this pie.

Sanding sugar is sometimes labeled pearl sugar and can be found in gourmet grocery and cooking stores. If you can’t find it, just sub in some granulated sugar.

This recipe was featured as part of both our Summer Fruit Pies story and our Picnic Recipes photo gallery.

]]> For the crust:
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Toss shortening and butter in flour mixture until well coated. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut shortening and butter into dry ingredients until reduced to pea-size pieces, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  2. Drizzle 6 tablespoons ice water and lemon juice into flour mixture and mix just until dough comes together. (Add the last 2 tablespoons of ice water if necessary, but do not overwork the dough or it will become tough.)
  3. Divide dough into 2 flat disks (1 slightly larger than the other). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For the pie:
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F and arrange a rack on the bottom. Place a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil on the rack.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the slightly larger disk of dough to about 12 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Line a 9-inch pie plate with the dough and trim to leave a 1-1/2-inch overhang.
  3. Place berries and sugar in a large bowl and stir gently until combined. Stir in lemon juice and anise extract. Sprinkle cornstarch over fruit and gently stir until combined; set aside.
  4. Roll out remaining disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 11 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick.
  5. Brush the edges and the inside of the bottom crust with egg white. Add the berry mixture and place the top crust over the fruit. Trim the excess dough to a 1-inch overhang. Fold the bottom crust over the top crust and press to seal.
  6. Form a fluted edge by using the index finger of one hand to horizontally push the dough between the index and middle fingers on the other hand, or press with the tines of a fork to seal tightly. With a sharp knife, cut 6 slits in the top crust, evenly spaced and radiating out from the center. Brush the top of the pie with the remaining egg white and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
  7. Place the pie on the hot baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Lower the temperature to 350°F and bake until the crust is brown and the fruit is bubbling, about 40 to 50 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let sit on the baking sheet until the fruit stops bubbling, then place on a wire rack to cool completely (at least 1 hour) before cutting.
]]> http://www.chow.com/assets/2009/07/mixed_berry_anise_pie_290.jpg Amy Wisniewski 54 Sweet/Dessert For the crust::

]]> 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

]]> 301 1 teaspoon kosher salt

]]> 1/2 cup shortening, frozen and cut into small pieces

]]> 10 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter (1 1/4 sticks), cut into small pieces

]]> 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

]]> 43 2 teaspoons lemon juice

]]> For the pie::

]]> 6 2 cups blueberries

]]> 5 2 cups blackberries

]]> 23 2 cups raspberries

]]> 298 1 cup granulated sugar

]]> 43 1 tablespoon lemon juice

]]> 268 1/2 teaspoon anise extract

]]> 1/4 cup cornstarch

]]> 1 large egg white, lightly beaten

]]> 1 teaspoon sanding sugar**

]]> 7079 amy wisniewski 1 chow 644 summer 7346 north american 812 old school 1071 classic 1619 omnivore 273 party 288 baked dessert 30278 summer pies 30279 fruit pies 30265 summer fruit pies 3282 seasonal