My Grandma Sally died when I was 7 years old. I still remember her well, though. She lived on a farm, and the animals loved her. That says a lot about a person. She was also that perfect grandmother type—full of love, hugs, interesting things to do, and delicious food. I remember walking into her house and inhaling the aroma of homemade pies. It’s interesting, now that I think about it. I’ve never been particularly fond of pies, but maybe it’s just that they never lived up to her pies. I think her cherry pie was my favorite.
I’m a bit hesitant to post this challenge, because November is always one of the busiest months of the year for me. This year is no different and is starting off with a trip to Minneapolis, probably another trip to my parents’ to help them pack, and of course, a big family get together at Thanksgiving. Then amid the usual business of home schooling I have to fit in a birthday for one of my kids. So I’m just not sure about fitting in pie making, but I really want to. I never made an apple pie after I found a pie crust recipe I really liked working with, and I want to make a dairy free version of my pumpkin pie. I’ll be happy if I get one of those made.
I think November is a good month for a pie challenge, though. Pumpkins and apples are in season, the weather is cool enough to have the oven on, and the holidays are upon us. I hope you will enjoy this challenge.
The biggest challenge in making a gluten-free pie is the crust. With some pies you can simply go without a crust, but messier pies need something to hold them together, and I think a crust is an important part of a pie. With that in mind, I thought I would link to some gluten-free pie crust recipes.
- Pie Crust – The Gluten-Free Homemaker
- Multi-Purpose Pastry Dough – The Gluten-Free Homemaker
- Grandma’s Pie Crust – How to video from Jules Gluten Free
- Flaky Pie Crust – Simply Sugar & Gluten Free
- Vinegar Pastry – Ginger Lemon Girl
- Pie Crust – Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef
- Almond Flour Pie Crust – Elana’s Pantry
Remember to come back on Wednesdays and link your challenge posts any week in November. I’ll be looking for challenge recipes to highlight each week.
If you are not a blogger but like to do these challenges at home, I would love it if you take a minute to leave a comment or send me an email letting me know what you’ve done. You don’t need to send the recipe, I would just like to hear that you gave it a try.
Linda, your memories of your grandmother are so poignant. To have such memories from age 7 (and younger) is quite a testament to her impact on you. I'm suddenly thinking of my beloved grandmother who I was lucky to have into my 40s. Sweet, sweet memories.
I love your pie challenge! I'm actually recreating a pie today and it will use the press-in pie crust that folks want to know about since I mentioned it in my Cushaw Pecan Pie guest post here last week. Anyway, I'll definitely be participating with more than one recipe. We are a pie-loving family!
Hugs,
Shirley
Linda – I echo Shirley's comment – it's so poignant and comforting to remember things about my grandmother. One of my most vivid memories is of her standing at our kitchen sink (she lived with us for a few years) making homemade Gefilte Fish for Passover. To this day, I think the reason that I love Gefilte Fish is because I think of her whenever I eat it.
I made a Pear Galette not to long ago. The crust was made using a mix – and it was quite good. It can easily be used for a more traditional pie. Here's the link: http://iamglutenfree.blogspot.com/2010/09/asian-pear-galette-gluten-free-dairy.html
Be well!
best, Ellen
I am new to gluten free eating and recently discovered your website. I also was a homeschooling mom, my kids are now grown, and cooked everything from scratch. (ok for the most part) Now I am learning how to cook all over again. Baking has been my main concern now that the holidays are coming up.
I am chronicling my GF discovery on my blog.
http://portiasillyceliac.blogspot.com/
Thanks for your great website!
Wow! This is wonderful the memories that you have of your grandmother. I was not fortunate enough to have a living grandmother as I grew up; however, I had a godmother who filled that gap and my very first cooking memory (I am told I was 4 years old when this occurred) was standing in a Shaker chair at her kitchen counter rolling dough for fried apple and chocolate pies. Amazing that a seeminly insignificant event could impact a person so deeply and for so long. I think of this nearly every day when I'm baking and cooking with my daughters (we homeschool, so are fortunate enough to be able to spend lots of kitchen time together).
) ~Gigi
And as for pies…I can't wait to participate! This is a great idea for the holiday time!
This is my first year cooking gluten free and I think this is an EXCELLENT idea!!! Here is my pie recipe entry
http://thepinkcowgirl.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-pie-time.html