Embracing Adventure & Savoring Sweetness: Homemade Blood Orange Pie Bites

Do you consider yourself a risk-taker? It’s a question that often sparks an immediate, gut reaction, and for me, that initial response was a firm ‘no.’ My mind immediately conjured images of high-stakes financial investments, the kind where you put your hard-earned savings into volatile markets, hoping for a lucrative return but facing the very real possibility of loss. Or perhaps the more tangible, immediate risk of gambling, where the thrill is fleeting and the odds rarely in your favor. I’ve always been pragmatic, preferring the certainty of a pound of butter over the fleeting excitement of a card game that empties my wallet.

Yet, stepping back from these conventional definitions, I realized my life has been punctuated by moments that, to me, felt like significant leaps of faith. The decision to study abroad in Ireland for an entire semester, for instance, was a profound departure from my comfort zone. It meant leaving behind family, friends, and the familiar routines of college life to immerse myself in a new culture, navigating an unfamiliar country largely on my own. Later, the bold move to a small town, two and a half hours away from anyone I knew, represented another act of independence, building a new life from scratch. Perhaps most surprisingly, I even found myself snorkeling in the clear, blue waters of the Bahamas, despite a deeply ingrained fear of swimming. Each of these decisions, when viewed through a different lens, were high-risk ventures, pushing the boundaries of what I thought I was capable of.

So, where does this evolving understanding of risk lead me? And what, you might wonder, does any of this have to do with these vibrant Blood Orange Pie Bites? The connection, surprisingly, is direct and delicious. Had I never taken that initial, somewhat terrifying plunge into the Bahamian waters, had I not embraced the uncertainty of a new environment, I might never have had the extraordinary experience of tasting my very first blood orange, picked fresh from the tree. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated culinary discovery, a sweet reward born from a risky adventure.

The Unexpected Rewards of Taking a Leap: My Bahamian Blood Orange Discovery

Of course, one could argue that even if I hadn’t gone snorkeling in the Bahamas, I would have eventually stumbled upon blood oranges in a grocery store. But let’s face it – savoring one fresh from the tree, in its natural habitat, is an infinitely more exciting and memorable experience than simply buying one off a supermarket shelf. Plus, that particular blood orange is forever intertwined with a collection of vivid memories from that unforgettable trip.

Those memories are rich and varied. I recall the nervous excitement of snorkeling around in the vast ocean, feeling surprisingly secure thanks to a life vest (yes, I’m still not a strong swimmer!). It was a testament to pushing past fear and embracing the unknown. Our stay was at a geology research center, a far cry from a luxurious resort. Here, the dedicated staff prepared surprisingly tasty home-cooked meals from canned ingredients, demonstrating incredible resourcefulness. Even the milk was powdered, as fresh milk spoiled too quickly when shipped to such a remote location. This forced simplicity highlighted the ingenuity and warmth of the people we met.

The week was also characterized by a delightful lack of technology. There was no internet, or virtually none; it would take a painstaking ten minutes just to send a single email. This enforced digital detox was a rare gift, allowing for deeper conversations, more focused observations of our surroundings, and a genuine connection with the natural world without the constant distractions of modern life. The journey culminated with a departure from the tiniest airport I’ve ever seen, a quaint and charming structure that perfectly encapsulated the rustic adventure we had experienced. These aren’t just isolated anecdotes; they are interconnected threads woven into the fabric of that high-risk journey, a journey that ultimately led me to a profound appreciation for the blood orange and the unexpected paths life can take when you dare to venture beyond your comfort zone.

The airport in San Salvador, Bahamas. Not kidding. That’s the building to check in and wait. The trailer is the security area where your bags are inspected.


From inside the airplane so you can see behind the airport.

The Risks Yet Untaken: Dreams and Delicious Decisions

But then there are risks I haven’t taken, dreams that still hover tantalizingly close, yet remain ungrasped. The idea of starting my own bakery business, transforming a passion into a full-time profession, or fully dedicating myself to blogging as a full-time career – these are significant leaps that I contemplate often. The thought of moving cross-country, perhaps to the vibrant west coast, or taking the audacious step of quitting my current job without a safety net, without a meticulously planned backup plan, fills me with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Would I find immense satisfaction and personal growth in these bold moves? Absolutely. Will I gather the courage to take these particular risks? That remains an open question, a future decision waiting for the right confluence of opportunity and personal conviction. It’s a powerful reminder that risk-taking isn’t a single, monolithic trait, but a dynamic spectrum of choices we face throughout our lives. It’s about recognizing when to jump, and when to pause, reflect, and prepare for the next big adventure. For now, I continue to explore the smaller, yet equally rewarding, adventures in my kitchen.

Introducing Blood Orange Pie Bites: A Sweet and Zesty Treat

Which brings us back to something more immediately tangible and undeniably delicious: these Blood Orange Pie Bites. I deliberately chose the name ‘pie bites’ over ‘tartlettes.’ While ‘tartlettes’ might seem fitting for mini treats, in my culinary lexicon, tartlettes are typically crafted in small tart pans, resulting in a distinctly different crust and aesthetic. These, however, are lovingly made in mini muffin pans, giving them a more robust, pie-like base that perfectly cradles the vibrant filling. The decision was also driven by the fact that I already have a beloved recipe for Blood Orange Tartlettes, and I wanted to offer something unique and distinct.

The heart of these delightful bites lies in their luscious filling, which is a tried-and-true favorite adapted from my popular Blood Orange Bars recipe. Imagine the bright, zesty tang of a classic lemon bar, but infused with the rich, slightly exotic sweetness and the beautiful ruby hue of fresh blood oranges. Encased in a buttery, flaky pie crust that melts in your mouth, these little morsels are a symphony of textures and flavors. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart, creating an experience that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

They are perfect for parties, brunches, or simply as a charming, individual treat to brighten any day. The vibrant color of the blood orange filling makes them visually appealing, a burst of sunshine on your plate, and their bite-sized nature makes them effortlessly enjoyable. Each pie bite is a testament to embracing unique ingredients and transforming them into something truly special, much like how taking a risk can transform an ordinary experience into an unforgettable adventure. These aren’t just desserts; they are little parcels of joy, reminding us that the sweetest rewards often come from the most unexpected places and decisions.

Blood Orange Pie Bites Recipe

Yield:
36

Ingredients

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 Tablespoon sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup fresh blood orange juice
• 1 Tablespoon blood orange zest
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually beat in the flour and sugar until just combined and a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare two mini muffin pans by lightly greasing them, if necessary. Divide the chilled dough into 36 equal pieces. Press each dough piece evenly into the bottom and up the sides of each mini muffin cup, forming a small pie crust. Place the prepared muffin pans back into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
3. For the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then, whisk in the fresh blood orange juice, aromatic blood orange zest, and 1/3 cup of flour until the filling is smooth and free of lumps.
4. Remove the muffin pans with the chilled pie crusts from the refrigerator. Carefully spoon or pour some of the blood orange filling into each mini pie crust, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges of the crust are lightly golden. Let the pie bites cool in the pans for a few minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cool, for a touch of elegance and extra sweetness, dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

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Source: Filling adapted from Eating Out Loud