FRUIT PIES WORTH STOPPING FOR

Annaliese showing a Bumbleberry Pie

On my way to Alberta through Trans-Canada Highway 1, I was passing by the town of Chase, British Columbia.  I was there almost a year ago to stay for the night to see the famous Adams River Salmon Run.

Just before hitting the first exit, I saw a signage Fresh Fruit Pies.   I then made a quick swerve to a quite-psychedelic painted store called Golden Ears Fruit Stand and Café.   

The pies were not  the usual singular fruit ones you see in supermarkets, like blueberry or strawberry pie.  They have those too but they make fruit combinations I never heard of such as Strawberry Rhubarb, Peach Raspberry or Apple Sour Cherry to name a few. 

Only one kind can be bought by slice – whatever was in the pie glass dome that minute.

That afternoon it was Peach Blackberry for CAD$3.00 a slice and if I want it Ala Mode - ice cream on top – an additional CAD$0.75.  The blend of peach and blackberry, almost like a velvety silky black mousse was stunning.  But what made the pie outstanding was the delectable flaky crust.  I ate every crumb, and to think I normally discard the peripheral carb-toxic crust.   If the dough makes a pizza, the crust crowns the pie.

A week later on my way back home, I passed by Golden Ears and bought a whole frozen, guess what?, peach blackberry pie (CAD$11.95).  Bev, the store’s friendly pie crust maker said the key to a good crust: handle the dough with care, and use salted butter. 

Bev shaping pie crust dough prior to flattening them in a pie pan with a Manitoba-built shaping contraption.

Most commercial pies sold use shortening.  Bev  said she is still tweaking for the right proportion of ingredients.   Bev, I think you are there, or almost there. 

Golden Ears Fruit Stand and Café (6252 TC Highway West, Chase BC)  is only open during the summer months  – as late as September -  9 am till 6 pm every day.  Take a look at their Facebook page www.facebook.com/FruitstandGoldenEars   or call 250 679 8420.  The store also sells fruit, vegetables, and beverages plus sandwiches and ice cream (Foothills Creamery brand) in their café.

Don Cavers - the owner of Golden Ears Fruit Stand and Cafe

Select flavors of already baked whole pies are available at $12.95 each.  If you decide on a frozen pie (you will need a cooler in your car), the baking instructions (not written anywhere) as jotted down by friendly Brianne (everyone there is nice, even the owner Don Cavers) are:

From frozen, an hour and 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit

If defrosted, an hour and 10.

Brianne showing off a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie