Pie of the Month

When fresh blackberries are in season, grab them!  Make yourself happy!  The ginger in this pie gives it a subtle spark that is delightful.  Best when served a tiny bit warm with vanilla ice cream.

It's cool!  It brings sweet and tart together and serves it up, cool and refreshing, just when you need it.  It's an easy recipe that can be made ahead.

When the option is pie made from frozen fruit or no pie, go for pie made with frozen blueberries!  This is flavorful and just right for any time of year.

Oh!  It's so different and celebrates a deserving fresh, juicy fruit.  I especially love this because it's not as sweet as many pies, nor as rich (unless you add the always-tempting swirl of whipped cream). 

Rich and elegant, it is perfect for company...or just because you're in the mood!

There’s something dreamy about ice cream bars that combine orange sherbet and vanilla ice cream.  Remember those?  This pie is reminiscent of those, but better.  First, there’s a whole lot more of it, enough to share!  Then, it swirls 2 favorite flavors:  fresh orange and vanilla cream.   Finally, you can do either a winter version (cold but not frozen) or summer version (icy).  Either will win you points with friends and family.  It features Cuties® brand clementine oranges, which are extra flavorful and provide an inviting soft color.

It screams for berries!  It's the perfct palate -- delicate, with a hint of lemon -- for fresh berries, whether raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries or some other favorite.  Made with ingredients on hand, you can bring home the berries, put the pie together, and enjoy it within a couple of hours.  It doesn't even have to cool completely, like most pies.  It's easy, breezy and delicious. 

Clouds of meringue float above perky, fresh lemon pudding nestled in a light crust with crunch.  So many good things in one place!  "Lammas" refers to the midway point between summer solstice and the fall equinox, which is when this recipe was created.  And "Mama's" comes from the fact that the luscious Meyer's lemons used came from my Mom's tree! 

Oh, my!  The aroma knocked my socks off.  These are the fresh berries many of us have access to during the summer, so enjoy the bounty.  Use any combination of fresh berries you like that adds up to 5 cups.  If you want to use frozen berries, see notes below.

Who doesn't have ripe bananas around every now and then?  This is a perfect way to use them:  nestled in a crisp crust and crowned with an elegant (but easy!) vanilla pudding.  Oh, my gosh!  So good

Dates -- rich, soft, sweet -- shine in this easy pie, teased by crunchy walnuts and cloaked in delicate puff pastry.  A touch of orange enlivens the mix.  The ingredients can come from your pantry and freezer, so this a pie to make anytime.  It's also a great pie for picnics, as a slice holds together in your hand. 

Pears are an underrated dessert fruit, according to a local pastry chef.  Here they dance in combination with a perfect partner:  almonds. 

Easy!   There's something about the crunch and flavor of the pecans that I just love. 

Who wouldn't love a little time in paradise? Take yourself to the tropics any time of the year!