the Pie Crust
Perfect Pie Crust
While there are several perfect pie crusts out there, some even refer to their receipt as ‘Ultimate,’ I keep coming back to this tried and true recipe year after year. A combination of butter and shortening, the flavor is perfect while the shortening gives you the structure to create fantastic designs if you wish. Make with a food processor, mixing bowl, or pastry cutter in a bowl, this pie crust aims to please every baker.
Pro Tip: Cover the ends with foil or pie liners until about 15 minutes before it’s done to prevent burnt ends. Then take them off to bake to the consistency of the rest of the pie.
As always, message me with any questions!
xo, Di
THE PIE CRUST
INGREDIENTS
6 oz (1 1/2 sticks) very cold unsalted butter
3 oz shortening (Crisco sticks or other is fine)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
6-7 tablespoons (or less) ice water (dough should not be overly wet and slightly crumbly)
DIRECTIONS
Cut the butter into small cubs, put in a bowl. Do the same separately with the shortening and place both back into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
Measure the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl and use a whisk to mix together, or place in a food processor and pulse to mix.
Add the butter and shortening. Pulse and/or mix until the butter is the size of peas. (You can also achieve this in a large bowl with a pastry cutter or fork, it will only take longer.)
With the machine running, pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse the machine until the dough begins to form a ball.
Take dough out of food processor or bowl and place onto a floured board. Form a ball, cut in half, and wrap both halves in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for roughly 30 minutes, but test after 25. You want the dough to feel cold, but if the edges become too hard, take it out and warm the edges with your hands before you roll it out or the dough will crack.
Roll each half onto a floured board (using a cake spatula to prevent sticking to the board).
Place dough into ungreased pie tin or glass dish. Put in your filling, and decorate the top half as you wish.
Bake the pie according to the filling directions.