Apricot-Cherry Slab Pie – Jennifer Beckstrand

There is nothing that says “Home Sweet Home” more than the smell of a good freshly baked pie. Since my Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series focuses on the 13 grandchildren of Anna and Felty Helmuth, the importance of family ties is prevalent throughout the stories. So here is one of my family’s favorite pies from our table to yours.

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Apricot-Cherry Slab Pie

Make pie crust for 3 pies. This is my favorite pie crust recipe:

3 c. sifted flour

1 T. sugar

2 t. salt

1 ¼ c. vegetable shortening

1 egg

½ c. water

1 T. vinegar

Combine flour, sugar and salt in bowl. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender. Beat the egg and mix the water and vinegar with the egg. Sprinkle small amounts at a time over the flour mixture, tossing lightly until all the particles are moistened. Mold into a ball and chill. Return to room temperature before rolling out.

Roll a little more than half of the dough on a lightly floured pastry board. Fit into a 10 ½ x 15 ½ jelly roll pan or cookie sheet (with sides) with the pastry hanging over the edges of the pan.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

½ c. sugar

3 T. cornstarch

Add:

14.5 oz. can of pitted tart red pie cherries, drained

1 quart or two 15 oz. cans apricot halves, drained and quartered

Spoon fruit mixture into the prepared crust. Roll out the remaining dough and place over the fruit. Bring bottom pastry up and over the top pastry. Seal edges. Prick the top of the pastry. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and drizzle with Vanilla Glaze.

Vanilla Glaze:

Combine 1 ¼ c. powdered sugar, ½ t. vanilla, and enough milk (5-6 teaspoons) to make drizzling consistency.

With one of their grandchildren happily married, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next matchmaking success. Because there’s nothing more rewarding than sparking unexpected love—and putting Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, on the map for romance…

Cautious to a fault, Lily Eicher strives to live up to her dat’s high standards. She’s certainly not the kind of proper Amish girl who would make time for someone as impetuous as the Helmuths’ grandson, Aden—even if his lively spirit and caring ways are showing her just how wonderful following her heart can be…

Recklessly doing the right thing got Aden into big trouble. A fresh start at his grandparents’ is just what he needs. And shy, pretty Lily is turning his world upside down and making him want to prove he can do good within the rules. But now both must find enough faith and understanding to risk pursuing their dreams—together…

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http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/