Native to China, peaches arrived in North America with the Spanish explorers. Because of their fondness for the fruit, some credit Native Americans with the cultivation and widespread introduction of peaches throughout the continental United States. Although peaches canned in sweetened syrup have a higher calorie count, for the most part, canned fruits are nutritionally comparable to fresh and frozen forms, according to the Canned Food Alliance. With attention to ingredients and preparation techniques, it is possible to prepare a tasty and fairly nutritious homemade peach pie with a minimal investment of time.
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Combine the chopped walnuts, brown and white sugars and flour in a small bowl. Set aside for the topping.
Step 3
Place the pie crust into your pie pan and crimp the edges. Sprinkle the bottom of the crust with 1 tsp. of reserved white sugar.
Step 4
Pour the canned peaches into a colander, rinse with fresh water, drain and gently pat dry.
Step 5
Combine the peaches, cinnamon, nutmeg and 6 tsp. of sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon to blend.
Step 6
Put half of the sliced peaches into the pie crust. Sprinkle half of the walnut, flour and sugar topping over the peaches and top with the remaining fruit.
Step 7
Sprinkle the second half of the topping over the peaches and dot with pea-sized crumbles of the organic butter.
Step 8
Bake the pie on the middle rack of the oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 325 Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
Tips and Warnings
- Instead of the walnut topping, you can cut a second pie crust into 1/2-inch wide slices and make a lattice topping.
Things You'll Need
- 1 8-inch pie plate
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup unbleached flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 white sugar plus 1 tsp. reserved
- 1 large can of sliced peaches in light syrup, drained
- 6 tsp. white sugar
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 2 tbsp. organic butter, chilled
References
- Inmamaskitchen.com; Peaches -- Luck, Abundance, Protection; Diana Viola
- Mealtime.org: Canned Food Myths -- Busted!
- USDA; "A Nutritional Comparison of Canned, Fresh and Frozen Fruits and Vegetables"; Christine M. Bruhn, PhD; March 2007
- Simply in Season: Peaches
- Hillbilly Housewife: Deep Dish Pie From Canned Peaches
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