Pie has a subtle winter appeal all its own. It is the kind of dessert that seems like a blanket against the chill of the season because it is warm, soft, and incredibly comfortable. Perhaps it's a warm pecan pie that belongs next to crackling fires and long evenings, a brilliant lemon meringue that cuts through chilly mornings, or a rhubarb cream waiting for the first light thaw. Pie doesn't strive to impress in the winter; instead, it just warms you from the inside out. Pies offer unique flavour combinations, tastes, and textures that are difficult to find elsewhere, regardless of the form you pick. Pies bring us joy all year long and satisfy our palates in a way that no other dessert can. They are especially delicious in the summer and autumn when they are loaded with perfectly ripe, in-season fruit. So, here are different winter pie recipes that every baker should keep in their home menus to impress anyone with:
Apple & Bacon Pies
Scared to make a big pie in the first attempt? If you’re nervous, it’s understandable. Don’t worry, there is a simple recipe you can follow. These mini pies are sure to get you going for the start. They might look tiny, but one bite in and you can expect an explosion of flavours in your mouth. The sweetness of apples pairs really well with the meaty bacon. The layers of cheddar cheese make the entire pie a wholesome affair.
Gulab Jamun Pies
Kicking off our fusion dessert adventure is the gulab jamun pie, a decadent marriage of the beloved Indian sweet and the classic pie. Imagine a buttery crust cradling a velvety layer of gulab jamun filling, topped with a drizzle of saffron-infused syrup. The result is a luscious dessert that combines the flaky goodness of pie with the irresistible sweetness of Gulab Jamun.
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Gulkand Pie
Gulkand Pie is a sweet indulgence that marries the floral notes of gulkand, a traditional Indian rose petal jam, with the buttery goodness of a pistachio-infused crust that together add warmth and nutty richness to this pie. The filling boasts a harmonious blend of gulkand and cream cheese, creating a velvety and fragrant centre. The crust, made with ground pistachios, lends a nutty undertone that complements the floral sweetness. Baked to golden perfection, the gulkand pie offers comfort in a bite during the winter.
Classic Apple Pie
This is a classic winter dessert loved for its flaky crust and comforting flavours. The sweet and spiced apple filling sprinkled with cinnamon gives off a warm and aromatic scent that fills the house. The apple pie is an iconic American dessert that is now loved by the entire world. It is often served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and is a great treat to enjoy during winter festivals or family gatherings.
Banoffee Pies
A buttery biscuit base or a base made from crushed biscuits and butter are both common bases for the British dessert pie known as banoffee. Banoffee pie is topped with bananas, cream, and a thick caramel sauce, which is made from cooked condensed milk (or dulce de leche). The recipe may also call for coffee, chocolate, or both. Its name, which is occasionally written as "banoffi," is a combination of the terms "banana" and "toffee."
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Chicken Pot Pies
The ease and joy of digging into one single bowl of a complete dish are just incomparable, where it's instantly made hot cuppa noodles or chicken pot pie. This western cuisine, Chicken pot pie with those criss-cross flaky crusts placed over flavourful chicken, may look like a herculean task at first sight, but this is not the truth. The flaky crust can be made with a tight dough doused with abundant butter that helps achieve the flakiness and crispness in the crust, and is eaten with cooked chicken after both have been baked together. The chicken meal cooked with some veggies, a few spices, chicken stock and refined flour makes a full-bodied, thick and saucy chicken filling.
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Shepherd’s Pie
Of the many classic dishes that have seeped into the Indian platter, the one that wins hearts is Shepherd’s pie. This classic British dish is a perfect mix of meat topped with mashed potatoes and baked with love. A traditional dish, Shepherd's Pie makes for an appropriate festival delicacy for its one-pot preparation and nutrient-packed bites. While the Western version of Shepherd’s pie calls for the usage of mild spices, the Indian twist will shake it up. The Indian-Inspired Shepherd’s pie, keeping the traditional style of baking, comes with subcontinental flavouring, surprise elements to the palate. No better way to satiate that appetite than a spoonful of potato and meat.