STRAWBERRY CHIFFON PIE

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Strawberry Chiffon Pie image

Categories     Cookies     Bake     Strawberry

Yield Makes two 8-inch pies

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 quart strawberries, hulled, plus 1 pint, for garnish
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 1/4-ounce envelopes unflavored gelatin (1 1/2 tablespoons)
2 large egg whites
Pinch of cream of tartar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup crème fraîche
Almond Shortbread Crust (recipe follows)
Almond Shortbread Crust
40 shortbread cookies (about 18 ounces)
1 1/4 cups blanched whole almonds, toasted
5 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
(makes two 8-inch crusts)

Steps:

  • Combine 1 quart strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade; process until smooth, about 3 minutes; you should have 3 cups puree. Transfer half to a large heatproof mixing bowl; sprinkle the gelatin over the top; let soften, about 5 minutes.
  • In a heatproof bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites with the cream of tartar and 1/2 cup sugar. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, and whisk until the mixture is hot to the touch and the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Attach the bowl to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes.
  • Place the gelatin mixture over the pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until the gelatin dissolves, about 5 minutes; remove from heat. Gradually whisk in the remaining puree; whisk in the lemon juice.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the crème fraîche until soft peaks form; whisk into the puree mixture. Whisk in one-third of the egg whites to lighten; fold in the remaining whites just until they are combined (do not overmix). Divide among the crusts; refrigerate, covered with plastic, until the mixture is set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Thinly slice the remaining pint strawberries. Place in a small bowl, and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Let stand at room temperature until the juices are running, at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. Serve the pie, cut into wedges and garnished with sliced strawberries.
  • Almond Shortbread Crust
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the cookies in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, and process until fine crumbs form. Add about 3/4 cup almonds with the sugar and salt; process until fine crumbs form. Add the butter, and process until the mixture comes together.
  • Coarsely chop the remaining almonds, and stir into the crust mixture. Press into the bottom and sides of 2 8-inch pie plates to form a crust, and bake until they are just turning golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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