Raspberry pie

What is a raspberry pi?

"The Raspberry Pi is a low cost, credit-card sized computer that plugs into a computer monitor or TV, and uses a standard keyboard and mouse. It is a capable little device that enables people of all ages to explore computing, and to learn how to program in languages like Scratch and Python. It’s capable of doing everything you’d expect a desktop computer to do, from browsing the internet and playing high-definition video, to making spreadsheets, word-processing, and playing games." from What is a raspberry pi

As intriguing as that sounds, I made an edible version of one today! With the scraps of pastry dough left, they were made into a messy lattice. This raspberry pie could definitely do with a bit more sugar if you prefer it sweeter; it was a tad too tart it made me squint a little. Nevertheless home-made ones taste better (and healthier!) and you can enjoy one fresh out of the oven! I did, and it made a happy perk-me-up on a mid-week. :)

Pie crust
What?

• 125 g flour, and some extra for working the dough
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 100 g cold unsalted butter
• 1/4-1/2 cup cold water

How?

1. Mix flour and salt together.
2. Cut the cold butter into small pieces. Using a fork or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until a crumbly texture is obtained.
3. Add in cold water slowly and mix with your hands until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough into 2 portions. Roll out one portion and place it in a baking dish (6" x 6"). Prick the dough with a fork and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degC for 15 minutes. 
5. Roll out the other portion of the dough and cut it into strips to make the lattice for the pie. Set aside for later.

Raspberry filling
What?

• 2 cups raspberries
• 2-3 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 egg, for brushing

How?

1. Toss the raspberries with the sugar and flour until the raspberries are coated.
2. Pour the coated berries into the baked pie crust.
3. Weave the dough strips into a lattice on top of the pie. 
4. Lightly brush the top crust with a whisked egg.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degC for 60 min, or until the crust becomes golden.

Cream cheese pie

It's unbearably warm here now and I'm ashamed to say I dread turning on the oven in the kitchen because of the heat. However, sweet desserts aren't all baked, how about some chilled ones for a change?

Cheesecake is a baked dessert, a dense one with cream cheese, eggs and sugar. This cream cheese pie, however, is a chilled dessert made without the eggs and sugar but replaced with condensed milk. Squeezed in some fresh lemon juice to add some tartness. Smooth, sweet and creamy, and pairs well with a graham crust. I baked the crust for a while though, despite trying to avoid the oven heat...

The only thing about this recipe was that I had to chill it for really long. Even after a day it was still difficult to make a clean cut. Next time I'll go easy on the condensed milk and prolly throw it in the freezer, maybe then it'll be firm enough to cut.

Regardless, my mom and I enjoyed it. I made a teeny small one so we finished it in one setting. The addition of condensed milk to the cream cheese gives the impression that this pie is gonna be overly sweet, but really it isn't (ok, coming from someone with a sweet tooth you wouldn't think it's a good gauge).

Top a slice of the pie with fresh fruits or some strawberry sauce (my slice was too tiny for any fruit topping)...

Or some chocolate bits (drizzle with chocolate or caramel if you like)...

I like mine plain. Old boring me. *gobbles*