Read by Michael Flamel

Once upon a time in the heart of the Sacramento Valley, there was a garden that could rival the most enchanting stories of abundance and flavor. This was my father’s garden, a patch of earthly delight where the sun seemed to linger a little longer, and the soil cradled the promise of culinary magic.

As a professional chef, my dad was a maestro in the kitchen, orchestrating symphonies of taste and texture. His experimental nature found its true muse in the union of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb. The garden, a verdant canvas, produced these treasures in abundance, and so, the legendary Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with a Southern Pie Crust was born.

The journey began with my father’s ritualistic stroll through the garden. His eyes would twinkle with delight as he selected the ripest strawberries and the juiciest rhubarb, knowing that each plucked gem was a step closer to dessert perfection. The Southern Pie Crust, a closely guarded family secret, added a touch of charm to the pie – flaky, buttery, and with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the fruity filling.

On Sundays, our dining table transformed into a feast of Southern delights. Crispy fried chicken, velvety black-eyed peas, clouds of mashed potatoes, and the spicy kick of jalapeño cornbread set the stage. But the real showstopper was reserved for the grand finale – Dad’s Strawberry Rhubarb Pie à la mode.

As the scent of the pie wafted through the air, anticipation danced in our hearts. The first bite was a symphony of flavors – the sweetness of the strawberries, the tang of rhubarb, and the nostalgia-inducing Southern Pie Crust. The only sound that could be heard was the chorus of satisfied murmurs around the table.

If, by some miracle, a slice survived the night, it became a cherished breakfast companion on Monday mornings. A slice of pie and a wedge of sharp cheddar cheese, a culinary odd couple that danced on the taste buds like a well-rehearsed duet.

For those looking to recreate this magical experience, here’s the recipe:

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Southern Pie Crust

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 batch Southern Pie Crust (recipe follows)
• Vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, gently toss together strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well combined.
• Roll out half of the Southern Pie Crust and line a 9-inch pie dish.
• Pour the strawberry-rhubarb mixture into the crust.
• Roll out the remaining pie crust and place it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut slits in the top for ventilation.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

Southern Pie Crust

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup ice water

Instructions:

• In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough comes together.
• Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
• Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and for breakfast, pair it with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
• To elevate the experience further, enjoy with a refreshing glass of mint iced tea during the warm afternoons, a comforting medium roast coffee for dessert, or perhaps a glass of port for those indulgent evenings.

And so, in the heart of the Sacramento Valley, a garden’s bounty and a chef’s ingenuity gave birth to a tale of culinary delight – a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie that became the stuff of legends, passed down through generations as a cherished family secret. ❖