Perfect Pie Crust
Perfect Pie Crust
I love making pies! Wait, let me rephrase that. I love the satisfaction I get from making pies for my loved ones who love homemade pies. It is hard work! My grandmother was a wonderful baker and so is my mother. My mother actually learned a lot of her baking skills from my grandmother, her mother-in-law actually. My dad‘s mother was the baker. I love homemade pie, but I do believe there is an art to it. The crust can make or break a pie. I have been trying to perfect my pie crust for some time now and I am pretty happy with this version. It is a “real” pie crust. I do use lard, but I have substituted coconut oil in place of butter and lard and although it’s not the same as a traditional pie crust, it is pretty good. So go ahead and give that a try if you prefer the vegan version.
Believe me, I know making pies isn’t for everyone, but if you want to make the perfect pie, start with this crust recipe. Trust me, you, and the recipients of your hard work, will not be disappointed.
Ingredients:
Single crust
1 1/2 cups of flour
1/3 cup of butter
1/3 cup of tenderflake
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar (for sweet pie crust)
1/4 cup of ice water
Directions:
1. Combine flour, salt (and sugar if using) in a large bowl
2. Chop up butter and lard into small pieces and add to flour mixture
3. Use a pastry cutter to cut the flour and butter mixture until it resembles crumbs
4. Add ice water mixture 1 tablespoon at a time and mix with a fork
5. Knead dough on floured surface 2 or 3 times, shape dough into disks and wrap in plastic wrap and place in fridge for half an hour
6. Remove dough from fridge and roll out on floured surface or on a piece of parchment paper. Add more flour as needed so the dough doesn't get sticky
7. Place dough in a pie plate and trim edges. Squeeze edges with fingers to create a scalloped edge.
8. Add filling and follow instructions for baking
Additional information
For a more flakey crust add 1 tsp vinegar and 1 egg yolk to the ice water. I actually use this addition now because I prefer the flakey crust!
***DO NOT over mix and knead. You will end up with a tough crust. Yuck!
Good luck and please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any guidance.
Stay tuned for some yummy pie filling recipes to use in your now perfected crust.