Maine Crostata

A Crostata is a traditional Italian desert that is very similar to a pie. An irresistible combo of sweet and flaky pastry filled with various types of fruits and baked until golden brown. For this Crostata I was inspired both by my trip to Maine and from the great movie The Cider House Rules which also takes place in the gorgeous state of Maine. Lobsters may be the first thing you think of when you put "Food" and "Maine" to mind but it's equally known for it's sweet Blueberries in the Summer and it's lush Apples in the fall. This Crostata is the perfect desert to have with a warm cup of coffee watching a good movie or sitting on the back deck watching the Autumn leaves fall.

Makes 1 Crostata / Serves about 6

1 cup of All Purpose Flour
1/4 cup of Granulated Sugar
1/8 teaspoon of Salt
Pinch of Cinnamon
1 Stick of cold butter
3 Tablespoons of Ice Water
For the Filling
4 large Apples
1/2 pint of fresh Blueberries
1 Tablespoon of Flour
1 Tablespoon of Sugar
1 Teaspoon of fresh lemon Juice
1/8 teaspoon of Cinnamon


In a food processor with the steel blade attachment. Pulse together the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon together 3 to 4 times just to combine. Cut the butter into smaller chunks and add into the flour mixture. Pulse the mixture together again about 8-10 times until the butter is cut into small pea sized pieces. This is the key to any pastry, the piece of butter will melt in the oven and give off steam that results in a light and flaky pastry. Next, fill a small dish with ice and pour very cold water over top and let it stand for a few minutes to ensure the water is as cold as possible. Turn the food processor on and all at once add 3 tablespoons of the cold water.

Once the dough begins to come together shut off. Carefully remove the blade and dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a circular disc shape about a inch or so thick. Cover the dough in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for one hour.

Wash the apples and peel if desired. Cut the apples in halves and remove the cores. An easy way to do this is by using a metal measuring spoon. Slice the apples thinly. A quick and easy way to slice the apples is by inserting the slicing blade into your food processor. Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh blueberries, the lemon juice, sugar, flour, and mix together gently.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Flour a flat and clean surface and your rolling pin. Roll the dough out so that it's about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the rolled out dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the fruit in the center of the pastry leaving enough room along the edges to fold over for an edge.

An optional crumb topping for the Crostata can be made by mixing together 1/2 stick of cold butter cut into cubes, 1/2 cup of flour, a half a cup of brown sugar, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix everything together with your hands until the crumb topping forms and begins to hold together into large clumps. Sprinkle over top of the fruit and fold the edges over top. Don't worry about making them look perfect. Bake the crostata for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is tender. Allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.