Photo: Lila la Loop
Blueberry Hand Pies – British Lifestyle at Baldeneysee
The Ruhr region is a place of contrasts – shaped by its industrial past and at the same time full of green oases, cultural diversity, and surprising culinary discoveries. One of these places, where history and the present meet in a particularly charming way, is the Baldeneysee in Essen. Here, where coal and steel once dominated life, families now stroll along the shore, rowing clubs meet for training, and walkers enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
British community in the heart of the Ruhr area
Structural change brought not only new industries to the Ruhr region, but also people from all over the world. The British community, in particular, has established a firm place in the region over the years – whether through professional connections, cultural initiatives, or simply through a love for the Ruhr area. And with them came a tradition that has not been lost here either: afternoon tea. At precisely five o'clock, tea is served in many British households – accompanied by small, exquisite treats that make the moment special.
Blueberry hand pies: A classic with a Ruhr area flair
Among the most popular accompaniments to English tea are hand pies – small, handy pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients. The blueberry version is particularly popular: fruity, juicy, and encased in a golden-brown, buttery pastry. They are not only a culinary greeting from Great Britain but also perfectly reflect the Ruhr region's mentality: down-to-earth, practical, yet bursting with flavor. Whether enjoyed at a picnic on the Baldeneysee, as a sweet snack after a shift, or as a highlight with afternoon coffee – blueberry hand pies symbolize the successful fusion of tradition and modernity, regional identity and international influence. They demonstrate the diversity and openness of the Ruhr region's culture – and how even a British classic fits in seamlessly.
Culinary journey to the Ruhr region
This Recipe This recipe for blueberry hand pies is more than just a baking guide. It's an invitation to discover and savor the cultural facets of the Ruhr region. Embark on a culinary journey through the Ruhr area and enjoy its small, sweet moments – perhaps with afternoon tea and a hand pie on your plate.
| Preparation time | portions | difficulty | Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 minutes | 12 | simply | Great Britain |
Ingredients
For the dough 250 g flour
1 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 pinch of salt
225 g butter
100 g sour cream
For the filling 150 g blueberries
1 lime
50 g sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
Besides that Flour for rolling
1 egg yolk
1 tsp water
2 tablespoons pearl sugar
preparation
1. Sift the flour and powdered sugar. Knead together with the remaining ingredients to form a smooth dough. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, for the filling, sort, wash, and dry fresh blueberries. Thaw frozen blueberries in a sieve. Wash the lime in hot water and dry it. Finely grate the green zest. Halve the lime and squeeze out the juice. Mix the sugar, cornstarch, blueberries, lime zest, and juice well.
3. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) using conventional oven setting (top and bottom heat). Dust the dough with flour and roll it out evenly to about 3 mm (1/8 inch) thick. Cut out 24 circles (about 6.5 cm/2 inches in diameter). Place half of the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Whisk the egg yolk with water and brush the edges of the circles with the mixture. Place a small amount of blueberry filling in the center of each circle. Cover with the remaining dough circles, brushing with the remaining whisked egg yolk and sprinkling with pearl sugar.
4. Bake on the middle rack for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly after baking. Then carefully slide the parchment paper onto a wire rack and let the hand pies cool completely.
| Recipe by: |
|---|
| Bianca Killmann |