Depression Era Water Pie: A Slice of History
The Great Depression, which spanned from 1929 to the late 1930s, was a period of severe economic hardship that affected millions of families. During this time, people had to be resourceful and make do with what little they had. The Depression Era Water Pie is a perfect example of this ingenuity. With just a few basic ingredients, cooks were able to create a simple yet delightful dessert that provided a bit of comfort and sweetness in tough times.
The Magic of Water Pie
Water pie, as the name suggests, uses water as its main ingredient, making it an inexpensive and accessible treat. The simplicity of the ingredients—water, flour, sugar, vanilla, and butter—belies the rich, custard-like texture of the finished product. When baked, the mixture transforms into a creamy, almost pudding-like filling with a subtly sweet flavor, reminiscent of more elaborate custard pies.
Why Make Water Pie Today?
Recreating Depression Era recipes like Water Pie is not just about nostalgia; it’s a way to connect with our past and appreciate the resilience and creativity of those who lived through difficult times. It’s also a great way to teach younger generations about history and the importance of resourcefulness.
In today’s world, where gourmet ingredients and elaborate recipes are celebrated, there’s something refreshing about a recipe that relies on simplicity and the basics. Water Pie is an excellent example of how good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges as desired.
- Add the Water: Pour the water into the pie crust.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the flour and sugar until well combined.
- Add the Dry Mixture: Evenly sprinkle the flour-sugar mixture over the water in the pie crust.
- Add Vanilla and Butter: Drizzle the vanilla extract over the top. Dot the top with the pieces of butter.
- Bake: Carefully place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 30 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely. The filling will set as it cools. Slice and serve.
Tips for Making the Perfect Water Pie
- Pie Crust: Whether you use a store-bought or homemade pie crust, make sure it’s well-chilled before adding the water to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Mixing: Ensure the flour and sugar are well combined before sprinkling them over the water. This helps to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Butter: Dot the butter evenly over the top to ensure a consistent texture throughout the pie.
- Cooling: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. The filling will firm up as it cools, making it easier to cut and serve.
The Depression Era Water Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of history that tells a story of resilience and creativity. By making this pie, you not only get to enjoy a delicious and unique treat, but you also honor the resourcefulness of those who made the most of what they had during one of the toughest times in history. So, gather your ingredients and take a culinary journey back in time with this simple yet delightful Water Pie. Enjoy!
