I’ve been totally jonesing for pie. I’ve never really been a big pie lover, but lately I’m obsessed since I’ve been playing with this gluten free pastry dough. This recipe has taken me quite some time to perfect, and to be honest, I still tweak it every time I make it. Initially it was like this rubbery, weird dough (hey, like weirdo!), but tasted ok. Then I tried using Cassava flour to make it grain free, and that was a decent texture but tasted funky, at least to me. Hubby liked it, but he seems to like everything I make, or pretends to:-). He’s nice, bless him.
GF Dough is Finicky
Fair warning here. Even if you follow the recipe to the letter, you too may need to make little adjustments here and there. Dough is a finicky thing, gluten free or not. There are many factors that can affect the outcome, including the weather. This is especially true with humidity, the brand of flour you are using, when it was milled, how far it traveled, etc. When using GF flours, we have to make some adjustments so the dough holds together and has the texture we’re striving for. This doesn’t mean you have to add gunky starches that will spike our blood sugar into oblivion.
Ditch the Gums
When going gluten free, often you see tapioca and other high glycemic starches or gums used. They act as a replacement to achieve the mouth feel and thickening abilities found in regular flour. I instead opt for arrowroot which is less refined, for both the pastry and the filling. For a binding agent, I use a good grass-fed gelatin which is also adds a bump of protein to the party. I like this brand. It is high quality, no fillers and also great for gut health, and skin issues. Just an all around good product to incorporate into your diet. It makes awesome marshmallows too (stay tuned for that recipe coming soon)!
Strawberry Filling
Here’s where you can get creative and play with different seasonal fruit, but the strawberries at my local Farmer’s Market have been amazing. Perfectly sweet, but also with that essential hit of twang. I could totally get away with adding only a 1/4 cup sugar because I don’t like my desserts overly sweet, but added the full monty here for the husband. I’m nice too:-)
What I love about strawberries besides their obvious deliciousness, is how nutritious these little cuties are. Be sure to always buy organic (and choose local whenever you can). Strawberries are a highly sprayed crop, and well, that’s not delicious. It’s also poison, so there’s that. But back to the impressive nutrition bio of these guys. Did you know strawberries contain anti-inflammatory and anti-aging compounds? Yep, plus antioxidants. Here’s the other great thing about strawberries. They are very low in natural sugar, contain fiber, and add a healthy dose of Vitamins C and A amongst other vitamins and minerals.
Teeth Whitener??
Hey- here’s another fun and random tip. You can even use them to whiten your teeth, seriously! They contain malic acid which helps whiten the teeth. Mash 2 strawberries in a small bowl with a teaspoon of baking soda, dip your toothbrush in the mix, then brush all over your teeth. Leave on 10-20 mins. I’m usually good for about 10 minutes until I’m slobbering red goo, but you might have more saliva control. Be sure to brush thoroughly afterwards, as strawberries contain natural sugars that you do not want to leave on the enamel. Check with your dentist before using as a whitening agent if you have any concerns, and don’t apply more than once per week.
Sorry, I digressed. I love using strawberries in pies and such, because they contain a small amount of pectin which helps to naturally thicken fillings, jams, etc. Sometimes I’ll add a small diced apple or pear if I really want to go “clean”, as pears, apples, and some citrus have greater amounts of naturally occurring pectin. The downside is you may need to add more sweetener, so keep that in mind.
I hope you play around with the pastry dough. Try making it with other seasonal fruit, or filled with chocolate ganache, or go savory, It makes a lovely chicken pot pie or meat pie (my husband is British, so he loves him a meat pie). I’ve made mini versions too, like little hand pies which are super cute.
If you hit any snags, let me know in the comments section. I’d also love to know your favorite pie to make. Until then, rock on with your bad pie making self.
Cheers!
For the recipe click here https://wholebitenutrition.com/whole-bite-recipes/gluten-free-strawberry-pie/
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