Page 416 - Pie Squared

almonds, cashews, or a mix of all of them for the walnuts and
pistachios. The pistachios add salt, so add an extra pinch in the

filling if you’re not using them.

Go ahead, drizzle warm bittersweet chocolate across the surface.

HOW TO EXTRACT CARDAMOM SEEDS

Cardamom is a sultry spice most often used to scent chai tea or

curry powders. As an occasional and classic addition to baklava
fillings, it seemed essential in the Walnut “Baklava” Slab Pie.
Once it’s in the spice drawer, don’t stop there. Cardamom is a
delightful complement to peach, plum, and apricot pies. Ground

cardamom is missing some of the floral tones found in the
crushed seeds and grows dull quickly.
For cardamom seeds, look for green cardamom pods in your
grocery’s spice aisle, at health food stores, and online. Smash a

pod with the side of a chef’s knife, then pry open the pod and
extract the seeds. Crush the seeds with the side of a knife.