Mr. Siedler’s Blueberry Pie

A simple, all-American dessert for an all-American holiday. My Grandma got this blueberry pie recipe from a friend from church many years ago, and has been making it ever since. I am not much of a cook/baker – but the beauty of this pie is that it is relatively simple, and AMAZINGLY delicious. Trust me, if I can make it, so can you!

Ingredients:

1 quart of washed blueberries
½ cup regular sugar
½ cup brown sugar
3 tbsp flour
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp salt
Pie crust (I go with a pre-made dough. If you want to make your own – that’s up to you!)
*For pie crust, follow directions with pre-made crust, or use your own recipe. This is the only time you will use the oven!

Instructions:

1. Mix half of the blueberries with flour, salt and lemon juice.
2. Place in heavy saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a soupy consistency (5 minutes or more).
3. Add the regular sugar and brown sugar, and continue to stir constantly until mixture is evenly combined.
4. Add in remaining blueberries, stir for a few minutes to soften up the whole berries.
5. Let mixture cool.
6. Pour blueberry pie mixture in baked pie crust, and refrigerate for 3 hours (or more/less to let mixture set).
7. Enjoy with a dollop of cool whip!

The Story Behind the Recipe

The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. Every summer since I was young I would visit my family in Buffalo, NY, and stay with my Grandparents. And every summer I could expect the same great traditions that came with this amazing summer holiday.

My grandparents live in the adorable, all-American small town of East Aurora, NY. Their town is complete with a quaint Main Street, a Five & Dime store (Vidlers!) and amazing 4th of July celebrations. East Aurora would always have their parade and fireworks on the 3rd and my cousin’s town of Orchard Park (the next town over) would celebrate on the 4th. This meant double the celebrations, watermelon, corn-on-the-cob, catching of fireflies and, of course, sparklers and fireworks! Those memories with my grandparents and cousins are honestly my favorite childhood memories that have shaped me into who I am today. I could go on forever about my love of my family and Buffalo – but I’ll keep that for another post!

Sharing Buffalove

As much fun as I was having at the beach on the 4th in San Diego, I was feeling “homesick” for my extended family and the 4th of July traditions in Buffalo. I was deciding on a patriotic dish to make to celebrate when Brady mentioned pie – and a light bulb went on in my head. Every summer, I would pick blueberries with my cousins at a farm nearby, and my grandma would take the berries and make THE most DELICIOUS blueberry pie. Once Brady suggested pie, I knew I had to share it with Brady, friends and family here. I had never made it before – but thought it was the perfect opportunity to spread some Buffalove! Once I tasted the my creation – I felt like I was transported back to those many cherished summers of my childhood, and was so happy that I got the recipe right!

I truly hope you like – or LOVE – this recipe. If you get a chance to try it – let me know what you think, as this family recipe means a lot to me! Enjoy!