Reviews: Spring Strawberry Pie & Butter Rum Pudding (5/01)

[KValley]

I really really wanted and was fully expecting to like the Spring Strawberry Pie, based on the earlier reviews AND the fact that it used balsamic vinegar, which I always add to fresh strawberries, with a bit of sugar.

Well, I didn't. The crust did not hold together, the glaze looked very unappealing on top of the fresh berries- although this was covered up later by the topping- the presentation was very sloppy. This wouldn't bother me if it tasted good, but I wasn't impressed. In the end, for the effort, I would rather have had just fresh berries and whip cream. We'll eat it- it's not THAT bad- the strawberries are still wonderful, but I'd never make it again.

I made the Butter Rum Pudding a couple of weeks ago. Bleechh. It was runny, and unlike the Chocolate Mousse, which was smooth, creamy, luscious, this pudding had that dreaded tofu grainy texture. It was also a drab grey-brown color- most unappealing. We tried to use it as an ice cream topping, but DH hated the texture, so I just dumped it.

I'm fully willing to accept that these semi-disasters were of my own doing, so I'd love to hear if anyone had better experiences than I!

[Tiger]

For Strawberry Pie I line a piecrust (butter or graham) with sliced bananas and mix the berries with strawberry glaze. Pour over bananas. Serve with whip topping. It's simple but oh so good. Just made it for mother's day.
I'm glad I read these reviews. I'll keep with my tried but true recipe.

[SusanJoy]

We were not impressed with the Spring Strawberry Pie either - I put the cooked strawberries on the crust, then topped with whole berries, then brushed those with strawberry jelly so it looked pretty good but the flavor wasn't that great - the crumb topping tasted good but there wasn't enough of it! All in all, I prefer arranging my plain berries in a shell, brushing them with jelly and being done right there. Easier better looking and better.....

Susan