Caneberries are one of the many joys of summer here in the Pacific Northwest. Blackberries and raspberries are in abundance in every farmers market and roadside stand in the state this month and the real prize, the berry we all search for, is a hybrid blackberry that is unique to Oregon, the marionberry. Its a cross between the Chehalem and Olallie blackberries, and is large, sweet and juicy with a complexity of flavors that has led to it being called the “Cabernet of Blackberries.”
If you visit Oregon you will find marionberry pies, cobblers, preserves, ice creams and desserts of all kinds in our finest restaurants to the smallest coffee shops. We all have our favorite recipes and in my family its the pie. The berries have so much flavor that all that’s needed in addition to sugar is a squirt of lemon juice and a bit of zest to bring out their luscious flavor. Just use your favorite berry pie filling recipe and substitute marionberries if you can find them. These berries are juicy so I add a tablespoon or two of flour depending on the size of the pie. Dot the berries with bits of butter before adding the top crust.
As I browsed through my previous pie posts I realized that I’ve never shared my favorite pie crust recipe with you. A neighbor gave it to me many, many years ago and it’s the recipe I always use for robust pies that need a sturdy crust to hold juicy fruit fillings. I occasionally see this recipe printed in newspapers or community cookbooks so I know it’s nothing new, but just in case you’ve never seen it before I promise you it’s a good one. It doesn’t suffer from being rerolled a time or two and if it should crack it can easily be repaired with a bit of water and a pinch.
Pie Crust
Combine:
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/3 cup shortening
Mix together with a pastry blender until crumbly.
Combine:
1 egg
1 tablespoon vinegar
3 tablespoons cold water
Mix with fork and add to flour mixture. Combine well and roll out on a floured surface.
Makes 1 2-crust and 1 1-crust pie.
I found little foil pie tins at the local grocery that are the perfect size for a pie for 2. Marionberry pie freezes beautifully so I made up several extra that will be a special treat for dinner during the winter. Now is the time to start stocking the freezer for the coming months when there is nothing local available in the produce section of the markets.
To learn more about the Oregon Marionberry you can click on the Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Association’s website for recipes and growing information.
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{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }
I've never before heard of Marionberries. I wonder if we have them on the Island? Your pie crust recipe is one I use, except I use lard instead of shortening. It's a matter of taste, I guess, and pie crust is such a treat it might as well be exactly what everyone likes!
Never heard of them either. They remind me of Boysenberries with their size.
I've not heard of marionberries, but I'd sure go for a slice or three of that pie. Heck I'd just like to eat the crust off the top.
Ah, Marionberries — heaven! And they don't seem to grow here on the prairie!
Your pie looks yummy!
What beautiful berries! Your pie is amazing too…love the tiny tins,"perfect for two!"
When my dear friend lived in Lake Oswego, she sent me some of her homemade marion berry jam. It was beautiful and delicious and we savored every bite. She also sent us many packages of hazel nuts grown on their own trees–also a tasty treat from your area.
Best,
Bonnie
The pie looks delicious and I'm drooling! I've never heard of marionberries but they sound great. Lucky you with the abundance of blackberries! They are very hard to find here and very expensive if you should be so lucky to find them!
Oh, wow- I've never heard of marionberries- but now I want some!! Time to research!
xoxo Pattie
Cathy…this certainly brought back great memories of blackberries I used to find on the side of the road in Italy. I couldn't get enough of them. Here, in Montreal, they are far from being in abundance, hence, I'm presently envious.
The pie crust does sound perfect to hold that great mix of marion berries ;O)
Ciao for now and flavourful wishes,
Claudia
That pie looks wonderful! I wish I had some right now. I wish I could buy some marion berries too. Thanks for sharing your pie crust. I am always on the look out for good pie crusts and am looking forward to trying it out:)
what a pretty pie
The pie looks great. I really prefer to eat the pie crust with just little sauce from the berries. Ohh it looks so good.
I am making a marionberry pie on Thursday for company coming. Yummm! Now I can't wait. Your pie looks wonderful.
I love these berries!! Did you make that pie. How lovely!!
I can be there in a few days…will it keep? Looks delicious.
I still have two jars of Marionberry Jam that I drug back from last summer's trip to the Willamette. It's the best jam EVER. This pie looks absolutely beautiful.
I've eaten Marionberries before, but didn't know their hybrid. Of course the pie looks fabulous.
Mimi
Your pie looks delicious Mom!
First time I am viewing a photo of marionberries…certainly looks luscious to me…that pie must be really delicious with so much juicy berries in it. Will try the pie crust, been looking for the perfect crust, thanks!
Those berries sound delicious and your pie is lovely. That's a great idea you had about freezing those small pies for later. I may have to do that while our blackberries are still in season! Thanks!
Oooooooooooooh… another pie crust version for me to try. No Marionberries here, but plenty of olallies in my freezer. You know I love making pies, and you did a great job on this one!
Such a lovely pie Cathy! I've not had marion berries before, but I love blackberries. In fact I made a cobbler this week from wild blackberries.
Your crust recipe is similar to my MIL's recipe, except hers didn't have an egg. She always made the flakiest crust.
I just love marion berries! Your pie is so pretty. Great job on your crust. I love the leaf in the center!
mmmm. I love marionberries. I'll have to try your pie crust. Living in the Northwest sure has some great advantages. I love the local blueberries here too. They are huge and we pick our own at a local farm every July.
That is one beautiful pie! I have bookmarked your recipe because I can always use some tips on making pie crust. I keep hoping that one of these days I will figure it out for real.
Hi Cathy! I've never heard of Marionberries, but of course they appeal to me as that's my name! I'd LOOOVE to try them! Can you send seeds?!?!?!
I love all the berries, but marionberries are new to me.
YOur pie looks wonderful!
Rita
I would move to Oregon just for the marionberries.
I'll be visiting Oregon soon, will definitely bring back this marion berries. Your pie look so delicious Cathy!
Your pie crust sounds wonderful, Cathy. I love marionberries and use them often in pies and crisps. I freeze large quantities of them so we can enjoy the all year round. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings…Mary
what a lovely pie, and i love that lattice crust. it's great to use such yummy local berries!
You have so many things to be thankful for living in your area, Cathy! I'd be thankful for a piece of your pie
I've saving your pie crust recipe – thank you! It looks delicious.
Well I heard of Marion Berry, the mayor in DC who was arrested. I thought this was a pie for him! LOL
It looks delicious, and so cute! I bought little pie tins in WS outlet once, and they have never had them again! But they are only big enough for one, ME!
I will try your crust. I am always in search of one I really love and one that returns the favor by behaving!
Beautiful pie, Cathy! Summer fruit pies are one of my favorite things =)
Beautiful pie…perfect for picnic in this lovely summer. Hope you have a lovely day. MaryMoh at http://www.keeplearningkeepsmiling.com
Hi Cathy,
Great recipe. I loved it!
Love,
Lia.
Oooo… fresh berries pie! Sounds fantastic! A slice please…. Have a flavourful day.
Cheers, kristy
I have never heard of this berry but I'd love to see and taste some. And your pie is gorgeous! I love berry pies and yours sounds perfect! Happy Summer – I love summer berries!
I never had these special berries before but this pie looks GOBSMACKING!!!
MMMMMMMMMMM,…What a lovely pie for summer!
We're craving pie, and this one is making our mouths water!
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