Mother-in-law's pie

Mother-in-law's Pie - A Culinary Journey into the Heart of Autumn

Autumn brings with it a vibrant palette of flavors and colors, and nothing compares to the feeling of savoring a slice of warm pie with pumpkin or apples, surrounded by loved ones. This recipe is called "mother-in-law's pie", inspired by my mother-in-law's special recipe, who has always been a master of the baking art. The aroma of caramelized pumpkin perfectly blends with the flaky crust, and each bite becomes a pleasant memory.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Main ingredients:

- 1/2 medium pumpkin (about 500 g), peeled and grated
- 1-2 kg apples (depending on preference), peeled and diced
- 1 kg of the best quality flour
- 60 g fresh beer yeast
- 50 g butter, at room temperature
- 100 g oil (sunflower or olive, according to preference)
- 100 g sugar (plus 2-3 tablespoons for filling)
- 200 g sour yogurt
- 200 ml warm milk
- 2 eggs
- Vanilla essence (1-2 tablespoons)
- A pinch of salt

Preparing the dough:

1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential to introduce air into the flour and achieve a fluffier dough.

2. In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in 4 tablespoons of warm milk, adding 3 tablespoons of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This will activate the yeast and help the dough rise.

3. Gently warm the milk and yogurt, being careful not to make them too hot, just warm. In a separate bowl, combine the butter with the oil and melt them together to create a rich mixture that will enrich the dough.

4. In the bowl with flour, add the activated yeast, eggs, salt, sugar, vanilla essence, and the milk and yogurt mixture. Start kneading the dough, incorporating all the ingredients. Ideally, you should use a dough mixer, but you can also knead by hand with lots of love!

5. When the dough becomes soft and elastic, gradually add the oil mixed with the butter, continuing to knead. The dough should become smooth and form air bubbles. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.

6. Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling:

7. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. If using pumpkin, grate it finely and mix it with 2-3 tablespoons of sugar. If opting for diced apples, mix them with sugar and, optionally, a little cinnamon for added flavor. This will add depth to the taste and make the pie even more delicious.

Assembling the pie:

8. After the dough has risen, divide it into 2-3 equal pieces. On a floured work surface, roll out each piece with a rolling pin to obtain a thin disc.

9. Place the pumpkin or apple filling on the lower half of the dough, leaving a margin of about 2 cm. Gently roll the dough to form a log or fold it over the filling.

10. Place the pie in a greased baking dish, making sure to place it seam side down to prevent it from opening while baking. You can make a few cuts on top to allow steam to escape.

11. Brush the pie with a beaten egg yolk to give it a golden and shiny color.

Baking:

12. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Serving suggestions:

This pie can be served warm, alongside a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream, making it even more delicious. A cup of fruit tea or a mug of hot chocolate are excellent combinations to complement this indulgent moment.

Nutritional information:

A serving of mother-in-law's pie (about 100 g) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients. It is a good source of carbohydrates, protein from eggs and yogurt, but it is also rich in fiber due to the pumpkin or apples.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or even fruit combinations. Each variation will provide a different flavor, adding a personal touch.

2. How can I enhance the dough's flavor?
By adding a little lemon or orange zest to the dough, you will achieve a fresh taste and a pleasant aroma.

3. What should I do if the dough doesn't rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you left the dough in a warm place. If it’s too cold, the dough will not rise properly.

This mother-in-law's pie is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that brings the whole family together, invoking pleasant memories and unforgettable moments. Don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones, so they too can enjoy the magic of autumn in every bite! Enjoy your meal!