Nopalito Pie (Cactus Pie)

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Parboil cactus for 3 minutes in enough boiling, lightly salted water to cover in a covered saucepan.
3. 3
   Drain and rinse under running water.
4. 4
   Roll half of pastry to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
5. 5
   Place in a 9-inch pie plate; trim off excess pastry along edges and set to the side.
6. 6
   Combine cactus dice (nopalitos) and next three ingredients; mix well by hand.
7. 7
   Spoon filling evenly into pastry shell, and dot with butter.
8. 8
   Roll remaining pastry to 1/8-inch thickness; cut into 1/2-inch strips and arrange into lattice; fold edges under and flute into a pretty edge.
9. 9
   Bake for 50-60 minutes.
10. 10
    Garnish with slice of prickly pear fruit, if desired.