CPM Berry, Stone Fruit & Apple Pies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which apple variety is considered the gold standard for French-style apple tarts because it holds its shape and doesn't release excess moisture during baking?
- Golden Delicious (Correct answer)
- McIntosh
- Fuji
- Cortland
Correct answer: Golden Delicious
Golden Delicious apples hold their shape well and have a mild sweetness that complements French-style preparations.
Question 2: When making a fresh blueberry pie without cooking the filling first, which thickener works best because it creates a clear, glossy gel?
- Cornstarch
- Instant tapioca
- Arrowroot (Correct answer)
- Flour
Correct answer: Arrowroot
Arrowroot creates a clear, glossy gel when used as a thickener and is ideal for fresh berry pies where appearance matters.
Question 3: A peach pie filling is watery after baking. Which step was most likely skipped?
- Blind baking the bottom crust
- Macerating and draining the peaches before filling (Correct answer)
- Brushing the top crust with egg wash
- Chilling the dough before rolling
Correct answer: Macerating and draining the peaches before filling
Macerating peaches with sugar draws out excess moisture; draining before filling prevents a soggy, watery pie.
Question 4: Which spice is traditionally paired with sour cherry pie to enhance its flavor without overpowering the fruit?
- Cardamom
- Allspice
- Almond extract (Correct answer)
- Cloves
Correct answer: Almond extract
Almond extract amplifies the natural almond-like flavor compounds in cherries, making it a classic complement to sour cherry pie.
Question 5: A baker is making a mixed berry pie with raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Why should the strawberries be sliced rather than left whole?
- Sliced strawberries release pectin more evenly
- Whole strawberries cause the crust to crack during baking
- Sliced strawberries ensure even cooking and prevent large water pockets (Correct answer)
- Whole strawberries make the filling too sweet
Correct answer: Sliced strawberries ensure even cooking and prevent large water pockets
Slicing strawberries ensures they cook through evenly and prevents pockets of undercooked, water-laden fruit in the finished pie.
Question 6: What is the purpose of adding a small amount of butter to a fruit pie filling before placing the top crust?
- It acts as a thickener for the juices
- It enriches flavor and helps reduce excessive bubbling of juices (Correct answer)
- It prevents the bottom crust from becoming soggy
- It helps the top crust adhere to the filling
Correct answer: It enriches flavor and helps reduce excessive bubbling of juices
Dotting butter on fruit fillings adds richness and helps suppress excessive boiling of fruit juices during baking.
Question 7: When should steam vents be cut into a double-crust apple pie?
- Before the pie goes into the oven, after the top crust is applied (Correct answer)
- After baking while the pie is still hot
- Before applying the top crust so the filling can be seen
- Only when using a glass pie dish
Correct answer: Before the pie goes into the oven, after the top crust is applied
Steam vents are cut into the top crust before baking to allow steam to escape, preventing the crust from puffing up or cracking unpredictably.
CPM Berry, Stone Fruit & Apple Pies 2
Which apple variety is considered the gold standard for French-style apple tarts because it holds its shape and doesn't release excess moisture during baking?