Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for the Maine Wild Blueberry Pie?
The main ingredients include 4 cups of wild blueberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, quick dry tapioca, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and a double-crust pastry.
Can I use frozen or canned blueberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned or frozen blueberries, but you must allow them to drain in a colander before using them.
What is the purpose of the quick dry tapioca?
Quick dry tapioca acts as a thickening agent for the blueberry filling to ensure it is not too runny.
How long should the blueberry and sugar mixture sit before baking?
The mixture should sit for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to combine before being stirred again and poured into the crust.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Does the baking temperature change during the process?
Yes, bake the pie at 400°F for the first 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) for the remaining 25 minutes.
How many slits should I make in the top crust?
You should make 5 small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during the baking process.
How do I create a glaze on the top crust?
Brush a thin layer of milk or soymilk over the top crust and sprinkle it with a tablespoon of sugar before baking.
Is it better to serve the pie immediately after baking?
While it can be served warm, the pie is even more delicious the day after it's baked, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How many calories are in a serving of this pie?
There are 425 calories per serving of this Maine Wild Blueberry Pie.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 15.6g per serving.
How much protein does this dessert provide?
This pie provides 2.5g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice?
There are 68.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size pie plate is recommended?
A 9-inch pie plate is recommended for this recipe.
How should I prepare the pie plate?
Spray the 9-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray before laying the bottom crust inside.
What spices are used to flavor the blueberries?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.
Can I make this pie vegan?
Yes, you can use a vegan-friendly pastry and use soymilk for the glaze to make it vegan-friendly.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You need 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
There are 10 ingredients listed for this blueberry pie recipe.
How do I seal the edges of the pie?
Cover the filling with the top crust and flute the edges with your fingers for a decorative touch.
Can I add butter to the filling?
Yes, for an extra touch of richness, you can dot the top of the filling with small amounts of butter or margarine before adding the final crust.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from 'Coastal New England Summertime Cooking' by Sherri Eldridge.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
How many cups of sugar are used in total?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and 1/3 cup of brown sugar in the filling, plus 1 tablespoon for sprinkling.
Is this recipe suitable for celebrations?
Yes, it is tagged as a celebration dessert and is perfect for summer gatherings.
Can I use store-bought pastry?
Yes, the recipe allows for either store-bought or homemade pastry for a double-crust pie.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The pie can be served either warm or chilled depending on your preference.
How much tapioca should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of quick dry tapioca.
Do I need to stir the mixture more than once?
Yes, stir once when combining the ingredients, then stir again gently after the mixture has sat for 45 minutes.
Are Maine wild blueberries different from regular blueberries?
Wild blueberries are typically smaller and have a more intense, vibrant flavor than cultivated blueberries.