Raisin Pie. Mrs. J. M. Davidson. Recipe

Raisin Pie Recipe

History:
Raisin pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated in the United States during the 19th century. Raisins were a common ingredient in pies during this time, as they were a popular way to sweeten dishes. Raisin pie was particularly popular in Midwestern states, where raisin production was prevalent.

Fun Facts:
- Raisin pie was often served as a special treat during holidays and family gatherings.
- It was common for families to make large batches of raisin pie filling and preserve it for later use.
- Some variations of the recipe call for the addition of spices like cinnamon or cloves to enhance the flavor of the filling.
- Raisins are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this pie a healthier dessert option.

Ingredients:
- 1 teacupful of raisins (seeded and chopped)
- 1 cup of sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 4 heaping teaspoonfuls of flour
- Cold water
- Small piece of butter
- Grated nutmeg
- Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the raisins, sugar, lemon juice, and boiling water. Stir to combine.
2. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little cold water to make a paste. Add this paste to the boiling raisin mixture.
4. Stir well to ensure the flour is fully incorporated. Allow the mixture to come to a boil again.
5. Add the small piece of butter and a sprinkle of grated nutmeg to the mixture. Stir until the butter is melted.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool completely. This is important before making the pies to prevent a soggy crust.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Roll out your pie crust and line a pie dish with it.
9. Pour the cooled raisin filling into the prepared pie crust.
10. If desired, you can top the pie with another layer of pie crust or lattice design.
11. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
12. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling for a spiced flavor.
- Substitute half of the raisins for other dried fruits like dried apples or cranberries.
- Serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Apple Raisin Pie: Substitute half of the raisins in the recipe with diced apples. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the filling.
- Pecan Raisin Pie: Combine chopped pecans with raisins for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
- Old-Fashioned Fruit Pie: Combine a variety of dried fruits like raisins, apples, apricots, and cranberries to create a delicious fruit pie filling.

Enjoy the sweet and comforting flavors of this classic raisin pie recipe. It's perfect for holidays, cozy gatherings, or simply satisfying your dessert cravings!