Prepare either the Vanilla Queen’s pie crust or use your favorite pie crust.

Mix sugar, tapioca starch and vanilla bean powder, if using, in a medium-bowl and whisk to blend well.

Place cleaned blackberries into a medium bowl, add sugar mixture and blend well, being careful not to bruise or crush berries. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and extract if using, and gently blend all ingredients.

Roll out bottom crust and fit into pie pan. Add the fruit mixture, dot fruit with butter, if using, then top with the upper crust. Cut at least six vents in the crust. Put into the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Using a pastry brush and fresh water, paint the upper crust with water and then dust with Rain’s Choice Vanilla Sugar.

Place pie on a baking sheet, and place in oven. Drop the heat to 400 degrees and bake for 20 – 25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes to make sure it hasn’t browned too much. If necessary, drop the heat to 350 at that point, otherwise drop it at 25 minutes. The pie will need to bake another 20 – 25 minutes or until crust is evenly browned and fruit is tender.

Place pie on cooling rack and allow to rest until ready to serve.

Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream, ice cream or creme fraiche.