Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling With Clear Jel
Summer is the perfect time for indulging in sweet and delicious fruit pies. One of the most popular and mouth-watering pies is the strawberry rhubarb pie. The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb creates a perfect balance of flavors that is hard to resist. However, making this pie can be a bit tricky as the filling tends to be runny. That's where Clear Jel comes in. In this article, we will take a closer look at what Clear Jel is and how to use it to make the perfect strawberry rhubarb pie filling.
What is Clear Jel?
Clear Jel is a modified corn starch that is used as a thickener in food products. It is commonly used in canned pie fillings as it provides a smooth and consistent texture. Clear Jel comes in two varieties: regular and instant. The regular Clear Jel requires heat to activate and thicken, while the instant Clear Jel thickens instantly when added to liquid.
Why Use Clear Jel in Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling?
Strawberries and rhubarb are both known for their high water content. When combined, they can create a very wet filling that can make the bottom crust of the pie soggy. To avoid this, Clear Jel is used to thicken the filling and prevent the excess liquid from seeping into the crust. This results in a perfect pie that is not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Filling with Clear Jel
Now that we know what Clear Jel is and why it is used in strawberry rhubarb pie filling, let's take a look at how to make it. Here is a simple recipe that you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of rhubarb, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of Clear Jel (instant or regular)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large saucepan, mix together the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, Clear Jel, and salt.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to thicken.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and butter.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and spread it evenly.
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 45-50 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
Conclusion
Clear Jel is a great ingredient to use in pie fillings as it provides a smooth and consistent texture. When it comes to strawberry rhubarb pie filling, Clear Jel is essential in preventing the excess liquid from seeping into the crust, resulting in a perfect and delicious pie. With the recipe and tips provided in this article, you can now make your own strawberry rhubarb pie filling with Clear Jel and impress your family and friends with your baking skills.
