Ep 4. Perfect Peach Pie

Zoe Bakes Season 3 Episode 4: Perfect Peach Pie

In this episode of Zoe Bakes, pastry chef Zoe Francois shares her recipe and techniques for baking the perfect peach pie. Using fresh, ripe peaches and her own homemade pie crust, Zoe takes us through each step of the process, explaining the science behind the ingredients and demonstrating how to achieve a beautifully flaky and flavorful crust.

We start with the pie crust, which Zoe explains is the foundation of any good pie. Using a combination of all-purpose flour, pastry flour, and butter or shortening, Zoe walks us through the process of cutting in the fat using a pastry blender or food processor. She adds a splash of vinegar and ice water to the mixture, explaining that these ingredients will help to keep the gluten from developing and prevent the crust from becoming tough.

Once the dough has come together, Zoe shows us how to roll it out to the perfect thickness and shape, and how to transfer it to a pie dish without tearing it. She explains that the key to a flaky crust is to keep the butter or shortening cold and to handle the dough as little as possible.

With the crust in the dish, Zoe moves on to the filling. She selects fresh, ripe peaches and shows us how to blanch them in boiling water to remove the skins. She then slices the peaches and mixes them with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla to create a flavorful and perfectly sweet filling. She adds a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

Finally, Zoe assembles the pie, showing us how to arrange the peach slices in the crust and how to add a lattice top for a picture-perfect presentation. She brushes the top of the crust with an egg wash to give it a golden shine and sprinkles it with a bit of coarse sugar for texture.

After baking the pie in a preheated oven for about an hour, Zoe pulls it out and lets it cool to room temperature before slicing into it. The result is a stunningly beautiful and delicious peach pie, with a perfectly flaky crust and a filling bursting with sweet, juicy peaches and warm spices.

Throughout the episode, Zoe shares her tips and tricks for making the perfect peach pie, explaining each step of the process in detail and offering suggestions for how to adapt the recipe to suit your own tastes. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, Zoe's expert guidance will help you achieve pie perfection every time.