Indulge in the delightful flavors of Finland with Marjapiirakka, a traditional Finnish dessert cherished for its simplicity and taste. Marjapiirakka, translating to "berry pie" in English, features a buttery, flaky crust filled with an abundance of fresh berries, typically lingonberries or blueberries, and lightly sweetened with a hint of sugar. This beloved Finnish pastry offers a perfect balance of tartness from the berries and sweetness from the pastry, making it a beloved accompaniment to coffee or tea, or simply enjoyed as a satisfying snack. Immerse yourself in Finnish culinary tradition and savor the irresistible charm of Marjapiirakka.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk

For the filling:

• 3 cups mixed berries (lingonberries, raspberries, cloudberries, or your choice)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the crust:

1- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2- Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3- In a small bowl, beat the egg, then add it to the flour mixture along with the milk. Stir until the dough comes together. If it's too dry, add a bit more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.

4- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven:

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish or tart pan.

Prepare the filling:

1- In a separate bowl, toss together the mixed berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest (if using), and lemon juice (if using). Make sure the berries are evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture.

Assemble the pie:

1- Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into two portions: one slightly larger than the other.

2- Roll out the larger portion of dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle slightly larger than your pie dish.

3- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.

4- Pour the berry filling into the crust and spread it out evenly.

Top with lattice or full crust:

1- Roll out the remaining dough portion into a similar-sized circle.

2- Cut the dough into strips if making a lattice crust or place it directly over the filling if making a full crust.

3- If making a lattice crust, weave the strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern.

Bake:

1- Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

2- If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil halfway through baking.

Cool and serve:

• Allow the Marjapiirakka to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy your homemade Finland Marjapiirakka filled with the delicious flavors of mixed berries!

Nutritional Values:

For the crust:

• All-purpose flour (2 cups):Calories: 800
• Carbohydrates: 176g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 1.6g
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup):Calories: 400
• Carbohydrates: 100g
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon):Negligible caloric value
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon):Negligible caloric value
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup):Calories: 814
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 92g
• Egg (1):Calories: 70
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Milk (1/4 cup):Calories: 31
• Carbohydrates: 2.5g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fat: 1.5g

benefits:

• All-purpose flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy and contains some protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and flavor to the crust but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
• Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the crust rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust and helps balance the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the crust, and provides fat for energy and satiety.
• Egg: Adds structure and richness to the crust, and provides protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the crust and helps bind the ingredients together, while also providing calcium and protein.

For the filling:

• Mixed berries (3 cups, assorted):Calories: 150 (approximately)
• Carbohydrates: 36g (approximately)
• Fiber: 9g (approximately)
• Sugars: 27g (approximately)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup):Calories: 200
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons):Calories: 60
• Carbohydrates: 14g

benefits

1- Mixed berries: Provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can support overall health and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

2- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and enhances the flavor of the berries but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

3- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the filling, helping it to set and hold its shape when baked.

These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific brands and variations in ingredients. It's also important to note that the nutritional values provided are for the entire recipe, so you'll need to divide them accordingly based on serving sizes to get accurate nutritional information per serving.