The Local Economy Pie

The summers in Portland are undeniably beautiful. The sun is warm, usually not too hot, the air is not humid with a little breeze, and the produce here is absolutely amazing. There are local fresh produce stands that serve every neighborhood, farmer’s markets, and local farms supply even the major grocery stores. Being surrounded by Portland’s bountiful fresh produce led me to start thinking what a sustainable local economy tasted like.


Portland’s berry market is vast. A weekend favorite for locals is to take a trip up to Sauvie Island and pick their own berries as well as tons of other fresh produce. It is a great way to not only get mass quantities of berries for cheap, but to help directly support local farmers.


With the national crisis of oil and the economy occurring, we are all affected by the rising prices of fundamental necessities such as food. Is it possible to be a totally self-sustaining community in today’s Internet based way of life? Going back to a simpler way of daily life would certainly be an adjustment, but doable. I consider myself lucky living where I do with an abundance of fresh and local foods, it also makes creating a pie that tastes a bit like heaven that much easier.

The Local Economy Pie

• 4 or 5 medium to large semi-ripe peaches
• 3 cups blackberries
  
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• deep dish pie crust (sorry guys, this recipe is mine)
  

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. with rack in lowest level. In a large bowl, toss peeled and sliced peaches and blackberries with sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg and salt. Pour into pie shell; cover pie with extra pie dough and pinch the sides shut. Place pie on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Bake until topping is browned and crust is lightly browned, about 1 hour and 20-30 mins. (If topping or crust begins to brown too quickly, tent with foil.) Cool completely before serving.