A Baker's Dozen Ways to Dress Up the Traditional Pie at Christmas Time
As the holiday season rolls around, many of us begin to think about the traditional Christmas desserts that we will be making. One of the most popular of these desserts is, of course, the Christmas pie. Whether it is the classic apple pie, pumpkin pie, or a creamy custard pie, pies are a versatile and delicious dessert that can be served to anyone with a sweet tooth.
But why settle for the same old pies this Christmas season? If you are looking to impress your guests, or simply try something different, here are thirteen ways to dress up and take your traditional Christmas pie to the next level.
1. Add a touch of spice: Go beyond the usual cinnamon and nutmeg, and spice up your pies with a dash of ginger, cardamom, or cloves. These spices will add depth and complexity to your pie's flavor profile.
2. Drizzle with caramel: Who doesn't love caramel? Drizzle some of this rich and decadent sauce over your pies for a sweet and sticky finish. For a twist, try using salted caramel for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Top with streusel: For a crunchy and sweet topping, try adding a streusel to your pies. You can use a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter to create a crumbly topping that will add texture and flavor to your pies.
4. Decorate with pastry cutouts: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from your pastry dough, and decorate the top of your pies with these cutouts. This adds a festive touch and makes your pies look extra special.
5. Use a lattice top: Another way to decorate your pie is to use a lattice top. This involves weaving strips of pastry over the top of the pie filling, and creates a beautiful pattern that will impress your guests.
6. Add some nuts: Pecans, walnuts, and almonds add a crunchy texture and distinctive flavor to pies. Try adding some chopped nuts to your filling, or sprinkle some on top of your pies.
7. Make a crumb crust: Instead of a traditional pastry crust, try making a crumb crust for your pies. Crush some biscuits, graham crackers, or nuts, and mix them with butter and sugar to create a delicious and easy crust.
8. Top with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of your pies is always a classic option. But you can make it even more special by flavoring your whipped cream with vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices.
9. Use a variety of fruits: Don't limit yourself to just one type of fruit in your pies. Try combining different fruits, like apples and pears, or berries and peaches, for a unique and delicious flavor.
10. Create a crumble topping: A crumble topping is similar to streusel, but it typically includes oats and brown sugar for added texture and flavor. Try making a crumble topping to sprinkle on top of your pies for a twist on traditional toppings.
11. Add some booze: For an adult twist on your pies, try adding a splash of brandy, whiskey, or rum to your filling. This adds a depth of flavor that will make your pies stand out from the rest.
12. Make mini pies: Who says pies have to be big? Make mini pies using a muffin tin, and decorate each one differently for a fun and festive display.
13. Try a savory pie: If you're feeling adventurous, try making a savory pie instead of a sweet one. A traditional British minced meat pie, or a hearty chicken and mushroom pie, can be a comforting and filling addition to any holiday meal.
In conclusion, pies are a delicious and versatile dessert that can be dressed up in many different ways. Whether you are adding a touch of spice, decorating with pastry cutouts, or creating a crumble topping, there are many ways to take your pies to the next level this holiday season. So go ahead and try something new - your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!