Pie crust
This is my new favorite!!!!! Forget the filling - I'll just have the crust!
Instructions for using food processor
Makes 1 crust - bottom only.
1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced
1/4 cup very cold water, but possibly less (I like to use sparkling water!)
Makes 1 crust - bottom only.
1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced
1/4 cup very cold water, but possibly less (I like to use sparkling water!)
- Place the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of your food processor. Process a few seconds to mix.
- Cut the very cold butter into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Sprinkle the butter pieces into the flour mixture and begin to incorporate them slowly by pulsing the food processor. Process until the butter pieces are the size of peas - then STOP! You want this to look uneven and messy. The gaps between the butter pieces and flour make the pastry flakey!
- Slowly pour about in the icy water, one tablespoon at at time. Pulse gently until mixture forms a ball.
- Flatten the dough into a disk and wrap in Saran wrap. Chill in refrigerator for two hours.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12" circle. Make sure to flour your rolling pin!
- Place in pie pan and gently press around the bottom and sides. Trim any dough hanging over the top, then press with a fork or your (clean) fingertips.
- Place in the fridge again for about 20 -30 minutes. Then fill and bake.
- If you need to bake it first for a chilled filling, etc., bake at 375° F for 20 -30 minutes, until golden brown. I put a bit of foil around the top edges about midway through the baking.
Instructions for hand-blending
Makes 1 crust - bottom only.
1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced
1/4 cup very cold water, but possibly less (I like to use sparkling water!)
Makes 1 crust - bottom only.
1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced
1/4 cup very cold water, but possibly less (I like to use sparkling water!)
- I use butter that's been in the freezer for a bit. Cut it into cubes less than 1/2 inch wide (roughly). Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Use a pastry blender or a potato masher and "cut" the butter into the flour mixture until the dough looks like kinda big crumbs.
- Stir in the ice water - do it slowly and try just a tablespoon at a time. You don't want the dough too loose and runny. You want just enough dough to form a loose ball.
- Flatten the dough into a disk and wrap in Saran wrap. Chill in refrigerator for two hours - don't be tempted to hurry this part!
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12" circle. Make sure to flour your rolling pin!
- Place in pie pan and gently press around the bottom and sides. Trim any dough hanging over the top, then press with a fork or your (clean) fingertips.
- Place in the fridge again for about 20 -30 minutes. Then fill and bake.
- If you need to bake it first for a chilled filling, etc., bake at 375° F for 20 -30 minutes, until golden brown. I put a bit of foil around the top edges about midway through the baking.