Spring Berry & Lemon Lattice Pie

• •2 piece Pie crusts (9-inch, store-bought or homemade, chilled)
• •4 cup Mixed berries (fresh or frozen (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries))
• •3 cup Granulated sugar (adjust to sweetness of berries)
• •3 tbsp Cornstarch
• •1 tsp Lemon zest
• •2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
• •2 tbsp Unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• •1 piece Egg (for egg wash)
• •1 tbsp Water (for egg wash)
• •1 tbsp Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using frozen berries, thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, gently combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Stir carefully to coat the berries without mashing them.

3. 3

   Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang.

4. 4

   Pour the berry filling into the pie crust and dot the top with the small pieces of butter.

5. 5

   Roll out the second pie crust. Cut it into 1-inch wide strips for a lattice top. Arrange the strips over the filling in a woven lattice pattern. Trim the ends of the strips and crimp them with the bottom crust to seal.

6. 6

   In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the lattice top generously with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.

7. 7

   Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

8. 8

   Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges loosely with aluminum foil.

9. 9

   Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For extra flaky crusts, ensure your pie dough is very cold before rolling and shaping.
• 💡To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes on the bottom crust before adding the fruit filling.
• 💡Don't skip the cooling step! It's crucial for the filling to set, making for clean slices and a better eating experience.