Monday, September 7, 2009

My favorite pie crust...again...only better!

I previously posted about my favorite pie crust here...but it was back in my early days and before I became comfortable and settled into my blog. So, this is basically just a revisit...but with better pictures ☺.


Oh-So-Easy Pie Crust
yields: 2 (9-inch) pie crusts

 2½ c. Flour 
2 tsp. Sugar 
½ tsp. Salt 
½ c. shortening, but into small pieces 
8 Tbs. (1 stick) cold butter, cut into small pieces 
6 - 8 Tbs. Ice Water 

 Pulse flour, sugar, salt, shortening & butter in food processor until coarse crumbs form.


Add 6 Tbs. of the ice water and pulse until mixture just comes together and forms large clumps.If mixture is still too dry, add a little more ice water at a time until it does just hold together. (Ice water helps keep the butter & shortening from melting.)
It should hold together if you pinch it without crumbling.
Turn mixture out onto work surface and pull quickly into a mass. Do this as quickly as possible because you still want to be able to see those balls of butter & shortening in the dough. Those are what keeps the crust so flaky and tender. Divide dough into two equal parts.
Wrap each separately in plastic wrap (or, if you discover you're out of plastic wrap...clearing throat...stick them in baggies. It worked), forming 2 discs.

Store in the refrigerator at least 1 hour, but up to overnight until ready to use. Or go ahead and freeze one or both for a rainy day!
When ready to use, roll out one disk of dough at a time into a 12" round. Gently roll dough back with rolling pin and place it over pie plate. Tuck in carefully.
This dough is VERY forgiving...one of the reasons I like it so much. If a hole forms, just pinch the dough back together. If there doesn't seem to be enough dough on one side, cut the over hang from another side and pinch it onto the part that seems short. Give yourself some decorative edges, or just fold the dough over and trim.
Now you just need some goodness to put inside! Bake it according to your specific need. 


12 musings, thoughts, queries, or comments:

  • Cinnamon Girl aka Reeni♥

    I avoid making pies - one of my least favorite things to bake and it's all 'cause I hate working with the crust! You make it look easy!

  • Kerstin

    I need a forgiving pie crust! I can't bring myself to buy shortening though, do you think all butter would work?

  • Danielle

    I totally suck at those decorative edges!! Gotta love a forgiving recipe :)

  • girlichef

    Kerstin...You know, it probably would, but the combination of the butter and shortening is what makes it so perfect (IMO). Butter adds flavor and flakiness, and the shortening makes it tender (just look for transfat free). Use a higher butter to shortening ratio to begin with and that would still add a bit of tenderness I would think....let me know if ya try :)

    Reeni- seriously, this was the first crust recipe that I fell in love with...it IS so easy!

    Dani- just use a fork to make lines if all else fails :)

  • Frieda

    Ever since I made a pie crust in my food processor, it has been SO easy...great post~

  • Chef E

    Yes, I agree you make it look so easy...I am making a pie with the VA girls when I return, and I am using this recipe...I think they could see your pics and feel comfortable with it...btw you do not show to many pics! Some people like it! Cobbler, Crumble, Crumbles, or whatever...that pie was fantastic!

  • Katy ~

    I like the butter to shortening ratio; I think you receive the best of both worlds with this combo. Your pie crust looks perfect. While I have a favorite, I'm going to give yours a try as mine is all butter flavored Crisco and I'm thinking I prefer the looks of yours.

  • Wandering Coyote

    Ah yes, the pie crust - bane of many bakers' existences! We all have to find our own way with this one, I have concluded. I'm so glad you found something that works for you.

  • Pam

    No homemade piecrusts from me. That is more skill than I have.

  • Mini Baker

    hehe that's my exact recipe that I use! its the BEST!
    Happy Baking :)
    -Mini Baker

  • Mini Baker

    hehe that's my exact recipe that I use! its the BEST!
    Happy Baking :)
    -Mini Baker

  • nora@ffr

    u made it look soo easy!! thanx!! btw great post!

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