LUCK OF THE DRAW (Betting on Romance, Book #1) is my debut contemporary romance set in rural New Hampshire, and this pie tastes like summertime and love: fresh blueberries, whipped cream, and a hint of sweet happiness. Ahh! The recipe makes two pies, because (trust me!) one of these is NEVER enough. Makes an excellent breakfast when eaten barefoot on a dock by a lake. Don’t ask me how I know. 😉

Cheri’s ‘Taste of Summer’ Fresh Blueberry Pie

 Crust (makes two pies):

2 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 t. salt

6 T. sugar

2/3 c. vegetable oil

3 T. milk

Combine dry ingredients and blend. Add remaining ingredients and stir until well blended. Divide in half. Press into two 9” pie plates. Bake at 375 F for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool.

Filling:

3 qts fresh blueberries (wild or cultivated)

Glaze:

2 c. fresh or frozen *wild* blueberries (find frozen wild blueberries at your supermarket)

1/4 t. salt

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. water

1 t. potato or corn starch

1/4 t. cinnamon

1 T. butter

1 T. lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best. I usually use 1/2 a lemon, whatever that happens to be)

In medium saucepan combine glaze ingredients except for butter and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes or until thickened and clear. Add butter and lemon juice.  In large bowl, gently toss  3 quarts fresh blueberries with glaze mixture until well coated then divide filling between the 2 pie crusts. Let cool slightly.

Whipped Cream Topping:

1 qt. Heavy cream

1 pkt unflavored gelatin

Sugar and vanilla extract to taste

In glass measuring cup, combine packet of gelatin in 4 T. cold water. Let stand 5 minutes. Place glass measuring cup in small pot of simmering water, heat and stir mixture until dissolved. Set aside. In medium/large bowl, whip cream, sugar and 2-3 tsp. vanilla extract until mixture begins to thicken/soft peaks begin to form. Add melted gelatin all at once and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Spread half of whipped topping over each pie (there may be a little extra, but the gelatin means it will not need re-whipping later.) Keep pies chilled until ready to serve. Enjoy!