Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sweet & Tangy Berry Bliss Pie?
It is a summer dessert inspired by the landscapes of Big Sur and Nepenthe, featuring a medley of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries with a crumbly nut topping.
What berries are used in this recipe?
The pie uses 3 1/2 cups each of frozen raspberries, frozen blackberries, and chopped fresh strawberries.
Can I use different berries if blackberries are unavailable?
Yes, you can substitute the frozen blackberries with boysenberries or blueberries.
How should the frozen berries be prepared?
Defrost the frozen raspberries and blackberries in a colander to drain any excess juice before mixing them with other ingredients.
What ingredients are needed for the pie crust?
The crust consists of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, brown sugar, cinnamon, and heavy cream, along with cold unsalted butter.
How do I mix the crust dough?
Combine the dry ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles small garbanzo bean-sized chunks, then bring it together with heavy cream.
How long should the dough chill?
The dough should be chilled for up to 30 minutes before being rolled out.
What size pie pan is required?
This recipe is designed for a 10-inch pie pan.
What is the nut topping made of?
The topping is a blend of chopped walnuts, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar.
How do I achieve the correct texture for the crumb topping?
Pulse the ingredients in a food processor until the mixture is crumbly with chunks the size of garbanzo beans.
Is there alcohol in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 ounces of Grand Marnier to be mixed into the berry filling.
What does Grand Marnier add to the pie?
It provides added depth and enhances the flavor of the berry medley.
How much brown sugar is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar, divided between the crust and the filling.
Why is cornstarch included?
Three tablespoons of cornstarch are used to help structure the crust and thicken the pie filling.
How are the fresh strawberries prepared?
The fresh strawberries should be chopped before being added to the filling mixture.
How long should the berry filling sit before baking?
Let the mixture of fruit, Grand Marnier, flour, and salt sit for about five minutes to enhance the flavors.
What is the baking temperature for this pie?
The pie should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the pie need to bake?
The baking time is typically between 35 and 45 minutes.
How can I tell when the pie is done?
The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the berry filling starts bubbling vigorously.
Should the pie be served hot or cold?
It is best enjoyed warm, though it should be allowed to cool slightly after removing it from the oven.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve each slice with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm berry filling.
Does the recipe use cinnamon?
Yes, 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon are included in the crust mixture.
What type of oats are used in the topping?
The recipe specifically calls for 3/4 cup of rolled oats.
What kind of nuts are used in the topping?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts for the nut crumb topping.
Is the butter used in the recipe salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using cold unsalted butter that has been chilled and diced.
How much flour is needed for the entire recipe?
A total of 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour is used, divided between the crust and the topping.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
A pinch of salt is added to the berry filling to help balance the flavors.
Is there a sugar sprinkle for the crust?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is used to sprinkle over the crust.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
The recipe contains 13 individual ingredients.
What is the inspiration behind this dessert?
It is inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Big Sur and the delectable offerings found at Nepenthe.