Peach Leaf Pie

The flour is mixed with salt in a large bowl, ensuring that the ingredients are well integrated. Add the cold butter and lard, both cut into small cubes. Using your palms, rub these ingredients together until you achieve a crumbly texture, similar to wet sand. This is an essential step in achieving a tender and delicious crust. Start adding cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork. Continue until the dough begins to form, but be careful not to over-knead it, as you want to maintain that airy texture.

Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrapping each in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius, or 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and put a baking tray in the oven to heat up.

In the meantime, peel the peaches, then slice them thinly. Place the slices in a bowl and add the lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Mix the ingredients well so that the peaches are evenly coated with this flavorful mixture, and set them aside to let the flavors combine.

Remove a portion of the chilled dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface, forming a disc that will be the base for the pie. Place it in a round pie dish, ensuring that the dough is higher on the edges. Put the dish back in the refrigerator to keep it cool.

Take out the second portion of dough, roll it out again, and cut out leaf shapes using a sharp knife or a special cutter. If you don't have a cutter, you can draw a template on cardboard and use it as a guide. With a toothpick, you can create veins on each leaf for a more authentic look.

After preparing the leaves, take the pie dish out of the refrigerator and brush the bottom and edges with a mixture of egg and a tablespoon of water. Generously fill it with the peach mixture, making sure the center is higher. Add a few small pieces of butter among the peaches for extra flavor.

Cover the filling with the cut-out leaves, placing them in concentric circles, slightly overlapping them for a pleasing appearance. From the leftover dough, form a few small balls and place them in the center of the pie. Brush everything with the remaining egg and place the pie dish on the preheated baking tray in the oven.

Bake the pie at high temperature for about 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 190 degrees Celsius or 365 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for another 40 minutes, adjusting the time according to your oven. It is crucial to take care of the moisture in the filling, so by ensuring that the pie dish is on the preheated tray, you will achieve a perfectly baked crust that will be crispy and delicious. Enjoy this peach pie, which will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!