Ina Garten's Blueberry Pie

Here at the cafe, you all know that I have fondness for blueberries. And one of my favorite flavor pairings is blueberry and lemon. So when I received a complimentary copy of Food Network Magazine a couple of months ago and saw Ina Garten's recipe for Fresh Blueberry Pie (you can find that recipe here), which happened to include lemon, you know I had to try it. There were two components I was waiting on, though. Other people to help eat it and courage. 

I love pie and like to make pie, but it's the crust that always trips me up. I cannot make a good pie crust to save my life. I usually use the Pillsbury variety that you simply roll out, but they just aren't the same. But as I looked over Ina's recipe for her Perfect Pie Crusts (also found at the link above), I was determined to give it a go. And you know what? They didn't turn out too bad. 

I think a lot of that had to do with her instructions and tips. Which would also explain why she's one of my favorite chefs to watch on the Food Network. I like her teaching style. Teaching is different than telling. Teaching involves guidance and instruction and we all need that sometimes.

As luck would have it, blueberries were on sale the week I decided to make this attempt. Here they are, all rinsed and dried.

They were then tossed together with only a handful of ingredients, including lemon zest and juice, then spooned into my awaiting crust. 

I held my breath as I added my top crust, then pinched the edges together.

Next, I cut a few slits for the steam to escape, brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with sugar.

Less than an hour later...

I had my first pie with a homemade crust in ages. It's not nearly as pretty as Ruthy's pies, but I'd done what I set out to accomplish.

And it was delicious. In the future, I think I might add and extra quarter to half a cup of sugar to the filling, but that lemon was the perfect compliment to the blueberries. And the crust? That's now my go-to recipe.

So Ina Garten, wherever you are, thank you for giving me the courage to make my own pie crust.

Have you ever been determined to make something you once struggled with? What helped you take it across the finish line?

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, one sassy pup, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at mindyobenhaus.com