A creamy, custard-style vanilla pie with crisp crust, using simple pantry staples from the Depression era.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pie
01 - 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, store-bought or homemade
02 - 1 1/2 cups water
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Fit the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges as desired.
03 - Pour 1 1/2 cups of water directly into the prepared pie crust.
04 - In a mixing bowl, blend the sugar and flour until evenly mixed. Sprinkle the mixture over the water in the crust.
05 - Drizzle vanilla extract over the surface and add a pinch of salt.
06 - Slice the butter into thin pats and arrange evenly across the top.
07 - Place the pie on the lower oven rack and bake for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
08 - Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake an additional 20 minutes, until the crust is golden and filling sets with a gentle jiggle in the center.
09 - Remove pie from oven. Cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing to achieve optimal texture.
