I thought this recipe was particularly appropriate after the Thanksgiving feast and before the December holiday food bonanza kicks off. How many calories can there be in water pie, right? Besides, I was intrigued. This recipe is from the Depression era when ingenious women learned to create something out of almost nothing. The flavor can be switched up by changing the vanilla extract to orange, almond or flavor of your choice.
So…how was it? It needed to chill in the fridge for quite a while before completely firming up. It is very sweet. Very. I imagine though this was a treat for people going through the Depression when treats were few and far between. Would I make it again? No but it was an interesting experiment and fun to see if it would work.
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
5 tbsp. butter, divided into pats
A pie crust, either store-bought or homemade
Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees.
Pour the water into the pie crust.
Mix the sugar and flour, whisk, and sprinkle on the pie. Do not stir.
Sprinkle the vanilla extract on top and add the pats of butter to the top of the pie.
Bake 30 minutes. Reduce oven heat to 375 degrees and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool. Store in the refrigerator.
SPEND CHRISTMAS IN CRANBERRY COVE!
As Sassamanash Farms hunkers down for the long winter, Monica agrees to let the local animal shelter host their Christmas-themed fundraiser there. The draw of the event—a chance to have your pet’s picture taken with Santa—brings in animal lovers from far and wide. But when the crackling fire dies down and the festive holiday props are all carted away, Monica discovers a very un-jolly sight next to the barn—the dead body of one of the shelter’s biggest donors. With the farm’s good name in jeopardy, Monica goes to work to root out the killer.
By all accounts the victim was a charming and generous supporter of the shelter, but Monica discovers that he was loathed by those who knew him for being tight-fisted and unscrupulous. Suspecting money might be the motive, she turns her sights on his stylish wife and her lavish lifestyle, along with the manager of the struggling shelter, who stood to collect a hefty bequest from his will. But as Monica closes in on one final clue, the culprit closes in on her. Caught unawares, she’ll have to survive the brutal winter weather, as well as a cold-blooded killer . . .
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Thank you for the Water Pie recipe. How interesting! As they say necessity is the mother of invention. I can imagine where this would have been a special treat in it's day.
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Very brave experiment Peg! I don't think I'll make it either:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating recipe, Peg! I’m always impressed by these Depression-era dishes. People were incredibly resourceful with what little they had. It might be a bit too sweet for me, but I’d still like to try it once just for the experience. Thanks for giving it a test run for the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteCool, Peg. Thanks for trying it. I'll rely on your good report and skip making it myself. So interesting, though.
ReplyDeleteI've heard about the water pie and have been intrigued but never brave enough to try it out. Thanks for experimenting for us, Peg!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting recipe, Peg! Thank you so much for sharing it 🌹JOY❣️❣️ Luis at ole dot travel
ReplyDeleteFirst time I heard of Water Pie, someone was trying to make it in Facebook, using soda pop. It was a failure. wonder if I could make it with coconut water.
ReplyDeleteSounds fun. Thank you Deborah
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I admire their ingenuity in the face of huge challenges and thanks for giving it a try. Think I'll skip this one though.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a water pie.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being our tester. You folks go above and beyond for us!
What an interesting recipe. I don’t think I’ll try it, but I love how this group introduces us to new things.
ReplyDeleteMemories of my grandparents that aren’t here
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