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Depression Era Water Pie: A Simple and Nostalgic Comfort Food
During the Great Depression, many families struggled to make ends meet, and food was often scarce. In those tough times, resourcefulness became a way of life. People had to make do with whatever they had, turning everyday ingredients into comforting dishes that stretched the budget while still providing a sense of normalcy and warmth. One such recipe that emerged from that era is the surprisingly delicious Depression Era Water Pie.
Though the name might sound odd at first, this humble pie became a staple in households across the country during the 1930s. Made with basic pantry ingredients—mostly water, sugar, and a few common kitchen staples—this pie is a testament to the creativity and resilience of those who lived through challenging times. Despite its simplicity, it is beloved for its comforting flavor and nostalgic qualities, offering a taste of history in every bite.
What is Depression Era Water Pie?
Depression Era Water Pie is essentially a custard pie made with very few ingredients, one of the key ones being water. The pie uses basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and a dash of vanilla to create a rich, custardy filling that mimics the texture of a traditional cream pie. The magic of this pie lies in its ability to transform basic, inexpensive ingredients into something surprisingly flavorful and satisfying.
Though it might seem odd to think of a pie made from water, this dish is a reminder of how inventive people became when they had to make do with limited resources. The ingredients were inexpensive, and most families already had them in their kitchens, making it an easy and affordable treat.
Ingredients for Depression Era Water Pie:
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour (all-purpose)
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- Optional: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give it time to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare the pie.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, simply place it in your pie dish. If you’re making a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. No need to pre-bake the crust; this pie’s custard filling will bake directly in the raw crust.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, salt, and any optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together un
