Recipe For Slab Pie

SHEET PAN SLAB PIE

Steps:

• For the pear and fig filling: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
• Combine the pears, fig preserves, cornstarch, cinnamon and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
• For the apple cranberry filling: Place a large nonstick pot over medium heat. Add the apples, frozen cranberries, sugar and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring aggressively to burst the cranberries as they soften, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the cranberry juice and cornstarch together in a small bowl to form a slurry. Pour the slurry into the fruit and stir to combine, then cook until a thick sauce has formed, 1 minute more. Turn off the heat and set aside.
• For the blueberry filling: Combine the blueberries, honey, cornstarch and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
• For the pie: On a lightly floured surface, stack 3 rounds of pie dough, then roll out to a 20-by-15-inch rectangle. Place the rectangle on one of the parchment lined baking sheets. Use scissors to trim to a 1-inch overhang on all 4 sides and save any excess dough for later use. Place in the fridge to firm up for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stack the remaining 3 rounds of dough, then roll out to an 18-by-13-inch rectangle. Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the rectangle lengthwise into twelve 1-inch-wide strips. Place the strips on the remaining lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, or until it is time to create the lattice.
• Remove the bottom crust from the refrigerator and prick in several places with the tines of a fork. Pour the blueberry filling in one corner and spread diagonally to fill a third of the pan (the fruit layers should not have a perfect edge or stopping point). Next, pour the apple cranberry filling in the middle and spread diagonally to fill another third of the pan. Finally, pour the pear and fig filling in the remaining third of the pan.
• Using a basket weave method, create a diagonal lattice on top of the pie with the remaining dough strips: Arrange 6 strips down diagonally across the pie, leaving about 2 inches between each dough strip. Fold back every other strip and place a strip down perpendicularly. Unfold the strips over them. Repeat this process with the remaining 5 strips, alternating the strips that are lifted to create a woven pattern. Press the end of each dough strip along the rim of the baking sheet and trim off any excess. Use your fingertips or the tines of a fork to crimp the crust of the pie along the rim of the pan. Brush the lattice (but not the edges) with the beaten egg.
• Bake until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely before slicing.

PLUM SLAB PIE

Steps:

• For the crust: Combine the flour, granulated sugar and salt in a food processor and mix until combined. Add the butter and pulse until evenly combined and the size of small pebbles. Pour in the vinegar and pulse 1 to 2 times until just combined. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the cold water, adding just enough for the dough to form a ball. You may not need the entire 1/3 cup of water.
• Remove the dough from the food processor and form it into a ball. Cut off about a third of the ball so you have a small piece (about 10 ounces) and a larger piece (about 1 pound 6 ounces; see Cook's Note). Form both pieces of dough into discs, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet very lightly with cooking spray.
• Dust a work surface lightly with flour. Roll the larger disc of dough into a rectangle that is 2 inches larger on all sides than the baking sheet. Roll the dough onto the rolling pin and then unfold it over the baking sheet, gently guiding the dough into the baking sheet and lightly pressing it into the corners, sides and bottom. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the pie.
• Lightly dust the work surface with flour and roll out the smaller disc of dough into a 20-by-12-inch rectangle. Place a ruler along the 12-inch side of the dough and make a mark with a pizza cutter every 1/2 inch. Turn the ruler along each mark and use it as a guide to cut a straight line, making twelve 1/2-inch strips that are 20 inches long. Transfer the strips of dough to a baking sheet, laying them diagonally so they fit and dusting the strips with flour as you lay them down. Refrigerate while you make the filling so the dough does not begin to stick together.
• For the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the plums, granulated sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, making sure the plums are evenly coated. Let sit no more than 5 minutes.
• To assemble: Evenly spread the filling over the crust on the baking sheet. Lay one of the dough strips diagonally across the baking sheet from one corner to the other. Repeat laying strips parallel to the first piece evenly across the rest of the pie. You can cut strips down to size as you work your way towards the end of the pie, making sure to leave a bit of overhang on both sides.
• Take every other strip of dough and fold it back over itself so that it exposes a little more than half of the filling. Lay a long strip of dough in the opposite direction, going diagonally from one corner to the other. Fold the dough strips back down and you will begin to see a lattice form. Fold back every other strip of dough that you didn't fold back before, and then lay another strip of dough diagonally across the pie, working towards a corner. Continue this process until half the pie has a lattice top. Then rotate the pan and repeat the same process on the other side to finish the lattice.
• Fold the dough hanging over the sides of the pie up and over the edge, tucking the ends of the strips from the lattice top inside. This will ensure the strips of dough stay anchored to the edges of the pie. Crimp the edges of the dough using your pointer fingers and thumb to pinch the dough together.
• Whisk together the heavy cream and egg and brush evenly over the lattice top and edges of the pie. Sprinkle the entire pie with turbinado sugar and bake until the crust is a deep golden brown and bubbles form towards the middle of the pie, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Let cool completely, at least 40 minutes.

SLAB PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll out larger piece of dough to an 18-by-13-inch rectangle. Fit into a 15-by-10-inch rimmed baking sheet, pressing into corners (pastry will hang over sides). Chill while assembling filling.
• In a large bowl, stir together berries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Spread mixture over chilled pie shell.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out remaining piece of dough to a 16-by-11-inch rectangle; drape over filling. Fold edge of bottom dough over top dough. Pinch edges to seal. Prick top dough all over with a fork. Brush entire surface of pie with cream, and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
• Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling, 40 to 55 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let pie cool until it is just warm to the touch, about 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into 12 pieces. Slab pie is best eaten the same day it is baked, but it can be kept at room temperature, loosely covered with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days.

MARTHA STEWART'S SLAB PIE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. On a lightly floured surface or between two large floured pieces of plastic wrap, roll out larger piece of dough to an 18x13-inch rectangle, trimming excess dough.
• Fit into a 15x10 inch rimmed baking sheet, pressing into corners (pastry will hang over sides). Chill while assembling filling.
• In a large bowl, stir together fruit, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and salt. Spread mixture over chilled pie shell. Chill again while you roll out the top crust.
• On a lightly floured surface or between two large, floured pieces of plastic wrap, roll out remaining piece of dough to a 16x11-inch rectangle; drape over filling. Fold edge of bottom dough over top dough. Crimp if desired. Prick top dough all over with a fork. Brush entire surface with cream or an egg wash (thinned with a little water if necessary), and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
• Bake until crust is golden and filling is bubbling, 40 to 55 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let pie cool until just warm to the touch, about 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into 12 pieces. Slab is best eaten the day it is baked but it can be kept at room temperature, loosely covered with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days.
• Pate Brisee directions: Process flour, salt and sugar in a food processor until combined. Add butter. Process until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds. With machine running, add ice water in a slow, steady stream just until dough comes together. (Do not process more than 30 seconds.).
• Turn dough out in two portions onto two pieces of plastic wrap with one slightly larger than the other (this will be your bottom crust). Flatten dough and shape into rectangles. Wrap in plastic. Refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight).

RASPBERRY-RHUBARB SLAB PIE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Whisk 3/4 cup milk and egg yolk; gradually add to flour mixture, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Add additional milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, if necessary., Divide dough in 2 portions so that 1 is slightly larger than the other; cover each and refrigerate 1 hour or until easy to handle., Preheat oven to 375°. Roll out larger portion of dough between 2 large sheets of lightly floured waxed paper into an 18x13-in. rectangle. Transfer to an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Press onto the bottom and up sides of pan; trim crust to edges of pan., In a large bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add raspberries and rhubarb; toss to coat. Spoon into crust., Roll out remaining dough; place over filling. Fold bottom crust over edge of top crust; seal with a fork. Prick top with a fork., Bake until golden brown, 45-55 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack., For icing, combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency; drizzle over pie. Cut pie into squares.

APPLE SLAB PIE

Steps:

• Make pie crust: Whisk together flour, sugar and salt in the bottom of a large bowl. Using a pastry blender, 2 forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the biggest pieces of butter are the size of peas. (You'll want to chop your butter into the small bits first, unless you're using a very strong pastry blender in which case you can throw the sticks in whole.).
• Gently stir in the water with a rubber spatula, mixing it until a craggy mass forms. Get your hands in the bowl and knead it just two or three times to form a ball. Divide dough roughly in half, one being slightly larger than the other. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and flatten a bit, like a disc.
• Chill in fridge for at least an hour or up to two days or slip plastic wrapped dough into a freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 to 2 months. To defrost, leave in frig for 1 day.
• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line bottom of 10x15x1 inch baking sheet or jellyroll pan with parchment paper.
• Prepare filling: In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice until coated. Top with remaining filling ingredients and stir to evenly coat.
• Assemble pie: On a lightly floured surface, roll one of your dough halves (the larger one first) into an 18x13 inch rectangle. Do your best to work quickly, keeping the dough as cold as possible and using enough flour that it doesn't stick to the counter. Transfer to your prepared baking sheet and gently drape some of the overhang in so that the dough fills out the inner edges and corners. Some pastry will spill over the sides of the pan; trim this to 3/4 inch.
• Pour apple mixture over prepared pan and spread evenly.
• Roll the second of your dough halves (the smaller one) into a 16x11 inch rectangle. Drape over filling and fold the bottom crust's overhang over the edges sealing them together. Cut small slits to act as vents all over the lid. Brush lid with heavy cream or egg wash. Bake until crust is golden and filling is bubbling, 40-45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack until just warm to the touch, about 45 minutes.
• In a medium bowl, stir together confectioner's sugar and liquid of your choice until a pourable glaze consistency is reached. Use a spoon to drizzle over top. Serve slab pie in squares or rectangles, warm or at room temperature.
• It keeps at room temperature for at least 3 days.

SWISS CHARD SLAB PIE

Steps:

• Make the dough: In a food processor, pulse flour with salt and pepper. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles a coarse meal, with some large pieces of butter remaining. Sprinkle ice water on top and pulse just until dough comes together. Scrape onto a work surface, divide in half, and pat each half into a 6-inch square. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for about an hour.
• Make the filling: In a pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and a generous pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add coriander, ginger and red pepper flakes. Add chard stems and cook until just softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in chard leaves in large handfuls, letting them wilt before adding more. Add wine, reduce heat to medium, and cook until leaves are tender and liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a colander to cool completely and drain. When cool, mix chard with sour cream and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out one piece of dough to a 12-by-16-inch rectangle. Slide dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread filling evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll out remaining dough and ease it over the filling. Fold the rim over itself and pinch edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top of the pie and brush with egg wash.
• Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until crust is golden and cooked through. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature.

STRAWBERRY SLAB PIE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450°F. Remove pie crusts from pouches. On lightly floured surface, unroll and stack crusts one on top of the other. Roll to 17x12-inch rectangle. Fit crust into 15x10x1-inch pan, pressing firmly into corners and sides. Fold extra crust under, even with edges of pan. Using fork, prick all over bottom and sides.
• Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until golden brown and completely baked. Cool completely on cooling rack, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, beat sugar, cornstarch, water and lemon juice with whisk. In small bowl, mash 1 1/2 cups of the sliced strawberries with bottom of whisk or fork to make 1 cup finely mashed strawberries; stir into pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir one minute. Pour into medium bowl; cool 5 minutes. Stir remaining sliced strawberries into cooked strawberry mixture.
• In small bowl, mix cream cheese and lemon peel until well blended. Spread in bottom of cooled baked crust. Spoon strawberry mixture into pan; spread evenly.
• Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours. Just before serving, top pieces with sweetened whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pie pieces.