Are you dreaming of a perfectly flaky pie crust, but intimidated by the process? Forget store-bought! This recipe makes a single, delicious pie crust using Crisco, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave without the fuss. It's a simple, reliable method perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, making it a fantastic addition to your easy recipes collection. This homemade cooking technique ensures a delicious dish every time. Let's get started on creating this classic!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Crisco, chilled and cut into cubes
- 5-7 tablespoons ice water
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start, ensure your flour and Crisco are well chilled. This is crucial for creating a flaky crust. Cold ingredients prevent the gluten from developing too much, resulting in a tender texture.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of salt throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cut in the Crisco
Add the chilled Crisco cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the Crisco into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing at this stage; you want pea-sized pieces of Crisco remaining. Work quickly to prevent the Crisco from warming up.
Step 4: Add Ice Water Gradually
Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork. The dough should come together, but it shouldn't be sticky. If it's too dry, add another tablespoon of water; if it's too wet, add a little more flour. The key is to use just enough water to bind the ingredients.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Once the dough is formed, gently gather it into a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax and the flavors to meld, resulting in an even more delicious crust.
Step 7: Roll and Bake
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into your desired shape and size. Transfer it carefully to your pie plate. For a beautifully browned crust, brush it with a little milk or egg wash before baking.
Tips for Pie Crust Perfection:
- Use cold ingredients: This is the most important tip for a flaky crust.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough: Chilling allows the gluten to relax and prevents shrinkage during baking.
- Use a pastry blender: A pastry blender makes cutting in the Crisco much easier and more efficient.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Try adding different flavors to your crust, such as herbs or spices.
Variations:
- Sweet Pie Crust: Add a tablespoon of sugar to the dry ingredients for a sweeter crust. This is great for fruit pies.
- Savory Pie Crust: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients for a savory crust. Perfect for quiches or savory pies.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your pie and any additions. The nutritional information below is an estimate for a single serving of a standard 9-inch pie crust made with the recipe above.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
This recipe is a great base for many delicious homemade pies! Whether you’re making a classic apple pie or a savory quiche, this single pie crust recipe using Crisco will help you achieve flaky perfection. Enjoy!