Introduction
A perfect pie crust is the essential foundation of any great pie. It can make or break the whole dessert experience. The trick to a great crust is finding the perfect balance between flaky and tender. For this recipe, we’ll be relying on the classic combination of Crisco and flour to make a delicious and reliable crust.
Ingredients
To make a 9-inch pie crust, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of Crisco (plus a tablespoon or two more if needed)
- 4-5 tablespoons of cold water
Instructions
Making a crisp pie crust is surprisingly easy with the right ingredients and instructions. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the Crisco into the flour until the mixture looks like small peas.
- Slowly add the cold water to the mixture, mixing it in with a fork until it starts to form a dough.
- If the dough appears too dry, add another tablespoon of Crisco and mix it in.
- Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead it a few times.
- Roll the dough out into a large circle, about 12-inches in diameter.
- Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it down into the edges.
- Trim the excess dough from the edges of the dish.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to avoid bubbling during baking.
- Bake the crust at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pie Crust
When it comes to making the perfect pie crust, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure your ingredients are cold. Cold ingredients help keep the dough from getting too sticky.
- Don’t overwork the dough. The more you work it, the tougher it will be.
- Be gentle when rolling out the dough. Too much pressure will make it tough.
- Make sure the bottom of the crust is pricked with a fork. This will help release air bubbles during baking.
- Bake the crust until it’s golden brown. This will ensure it’s cooked through and flaky.
Adding Filling
Once your crust is golden brown and cooked through, it’s ready to be filled with your favorite pie filling. Whether you’re making a savory quiche or a sweet fruit pie, the crisp crust will serve as the perfect vessel for your delicious filling.
Conclusion
With the right ingredients and instructions, making a perfect pie crust is surprisingly easy. For this recipe, we’ve used the classic combination of Crisco and flour to make a reliable and delicious crust. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to make a flaky and tender crust that’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
