Page 310 - Pie It Forward: Pies, Tarts, Tortes, Galettes, and Other Pastries Reinvented

resembles cornmeal and all of the butter is well incorporated. Add
the ham and cheese and toss to distribute evenly.

3
. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add this to
the dough and work the mixture gently with your hands until it is
uniformly wet and no dry clumps of flour remain. Don’t overwork
the dough.

4
. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently press

it into a rough 10-inch (25-cm) round. Bake until the crust is golden
brown and baked through, 35 to 45 minutes. Allow it to cool.

Procedure for the cheese spread
Chop the cornichons and garlic into small pieces and place them in
the bowl of a food processor, along with the cheeses, pimientos,
sour cream, salt, and hot sauce. Process until smooth.

Assembly
Spread the pimento cheese in an even layer over the cooled crust.

Arrange the tomatoes over the top of the spread, overlapping them
if you have to. Serve the pie immediately.

A NOTE FROM THE SWEETIE PIE
When you're frying, as in the case of green tomatoes, it’s crucial

that the temperature of the oil remain steady; otherwise, the items
you mean to make crispy and crunchy will simply come out soggy.
It’s also important that the food you’re frying be at room
temperature—you can’t fry something straight from the fridge, or
it’ll draw the temperature of the oil too far down. Hence the
direction that the tomatoes be at room temperature.

NOTE
If you reside in northern climes, it’s rare to see a green tomato

(simply an unripe tomato) in your grocery store. So unless you grow
your own, check for a tomato that’s very firm to the touch, one you’d