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Post by pealikecrazy on Nov 23, 2016 15:15:05 GMT
LOL. I always make one pie - Buttermilk Pie. I buy the deep dish pie crust at the store. It's easy. It's good. NOW DD wants to make an apple pie because her dad wants one, and that's fine, but she also wants to make the pie crust! YIKES. I've heard it's "tricky". Is it hard to do?.. I ask...and my sister says, "yes and no." WHAT THE HECK DOES THAT MEAN? GEEZ! Just thought I see what the peas say! Happy Day Before the FEAST!
TIA ~Robin
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Post by mcscrapper on Nov 23, 2016 15:19:35 GMT
Buy the pre-made crust.
It is a PITA to make a full crust from scratch if you've never done it before. I've made the "real deal" more times than I can count and they are wonderful but not worth the effort if you are trying to be quick about it. It takes some practice, too, in my opinion and you gotta have ALL the tools. The pre-made crust is just so much easier and I can focus on my filling and getting it done.
I never want to discourage anyone from ever attempting any type of cooking or baking but having a good roller and a good space to roll the dough out and the time it takes can be overwhelming if you are doing it for the first time. If you are just "practicing" that's one thing.
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Nink
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Jul 1, 2014 23:30:44 GMT
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Post by Nink on Nov 23, 2016 15:20:08 GMT
I have a Kitchen Aid mixer so I use the dough hook and it's pretty easy or you can use a food processor is you have a dough blade. That being said, I always buy mine. It's just as good and one less thing.
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Post by peano on Nov 23, 2016 15:22:12 GMT
I'm trying a new piecrust for the first time today and the secret ingredient is two tablespoons of vodka, which is supposed to make the crust super flaky.
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CeeScraps
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~~occupied entertaining my brain~~
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Jun 26, 2014 12:56:40 GMT
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Post by CeeScraps on Nov 23, 2016 15:22:52 GMT
I've made them for many, many years as a teen. The night before Thanksgiving I made pies and then Christmas cookies! I had help with the cookie decorating. It was quite the mess, but all of us had fun.
I don't remember it being hard. Now, pies I haven't made one in years. I'll make pumpkin cheesecake squares or a pumpkin log.
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Post by mcscrapper on Nov 23, 2016 15:24:14 GMT
I have a Kitchen Aid mixer so I use the dough hook and it's pretty easy or you can use a food processor is you have a dough blade. That being said, I always buy mine. It's just as good and one less thing. Agree 100%. Hauling out my mixer during the holidays for one thing stresses me out. Pretty sure one of our grocery stores sells their crusts, too. I think a relative was telling me about it last year. Publix probably. SaveSave
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Post by jenb72 on Nov 23, 2016 15:24:55 GMT
I make apple pie for my dad at least once a year since it's his favorite, and I make it from scratch, including the crust. It's not really all that hard for me, although I know some people do have problems with it. Here's the recipe I use for my pie: Apple Pie & CrustThere's a link on the page to the recipe for the crust, also. And it got a whole lot easier for me when I finally got myself one of these: pastry cutter toolThe key to the crust is to keep it chilled and to use cold water and cold butter. I try to make my crust dough a day ahead of time so it has time to chill properly before I use it. Also, when I bake my pie, I have it uncovered for the first 15 minutes, then cover it with foil (to prevent overcooking the crust) for the next 30 minutes or so. I uncover it about 15 minutes before it's ready to come out so it can brown up nicely.
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Post by mcscrapper on Nov 23, 2016 15:25:02 GMT
I'm trying a new piecrust for the first time today and the secret ingredient is two tablespoons of vodka, which is supposed to make the crust super flaky. Makes the crust or the baker flakey? SaveSave
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schizo319
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Posts: 3,030
Jun 28, 2014 0:26:58 GMT
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Post by schizo319 on Nov 23, 2016 15:25:18 GMT
It's not "hard", but it can be tricky to get it just "right". You'll find lots of recommendations if you Google, but I've always had the best luck with using frozen butter and grating it with a cheese grater (large holes). Then stir it together with a spoon and add your liquid. I like to use orange juice instead of water to give it a little something extra.
The tricky part is not overworking the dough and keep it COLD, you'll want little specks of butter in the crust, that's what makes it flakey. I've made lots of different pie crusts, some with shortening, some butter, some 1/2 butter 1/2 shortening, coconut oil (not a fan), and regardless of which recipe I've used, they always turn out edible, so tell your DD not to stress too much.
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Post by gar on Nov 23, 2016 15:27:34 GMT
By pie crust you just mean the pastry lid right?
Its not difficult at all, takes 10 mins by hand but success depends somewhat on a lightness of touch. I love making pasty when I can but there's nothing wrong with the convenience of bought pastry either.
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Post by ntsf on Nov 23, 2016 15:28:08 GMT
It is not that hard if you listen to advice. my non-cooking dd does it.. not pretty looking but tasty. I prefer lard.. but cold butter works too. just keep a light hand.. mixt a minimum, roll out quick..
you can do it.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Nov 23, 2016 15:29:50 GMT
I think it's easy, but my Nana showed me how back when I was a youngster. When I got married she gave me her rolling pin. I swear the magic to a perfectly round flaky crust is in that old wooden rolling pin.
If you're using a pastry blender or fork (by hand) it takes a bit of work to incorporate the cold butter into the flour. A food processor is much easier, but be careful not to mix it too much just pulse 10-12 times. Butter and water should be cold.
google Perfect Pie Crust. Look at Ina Garten or Martha Stewart recipes.
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StephDRebel
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Jul 5, 2014 1:53:49 GMT
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Post by StephDRebel on Nov 23, 2016 15:30:47 GMT
I'm trying a new piecrust for the first time today and the secret ingredient is two tablespoons of vodka, which is supposed to make the crust super flaky. Two shots makes me flaky, I can see it 2tsp working for pie too! I use Suzannes recipe, it's delicious and i've never messed it up. pie crust
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iluvpink
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Posts: 4,278
Location: Michigan
Jul 13, 2014 12:40:31 GMT
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Post by iluvpink on Nov 23, 2016 15:31:11 GMT
I say buy the pre made crust. My mom makes the best pie crust. Totally worth it. But when I've tried it and other recipes I can't do it. My problem is rolling it out. It's always too floppy once I put it in the pie pan and I can't get it shaped properly and it looks a mess and is too thin on the edges and burns.
So mom still makes the pies for holidays. I need to figure it out one day but I'm hoping my dd who enjoys baking will take it on. She's figured out cookies and cakes but hasn't really tried pies except with my mom's help. I hope she masters it one day lol.
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Post by Zee on Nov 23, 2016 15:32:35 GMT
I can and I have, but I don't really bother anymore. Years of working the night before Thanksgiving have me getting the dinner ready down to a science, and I find that store bought crust is definitely good enough for me and every guest I've ever had. That crowd has never included pastry chefs though.
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Post by anxiousmom on Nov 23, 2016 15:34:27 GMT
I bake a lot. But pie crust is my white whale and no matter what I do, it never ever works out for me. Ever. Never ever.
I buy the frozen deep dish ones and pretend that it was all me. lol
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trollie
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Post by trollie on Nov 23, 2016 15:35:21 GMT
I used THIS RECIPE last night. Could not have been easier. (I did add a 2 tsp of sugar.) Use ICE COLD water. (Put ice in your water and then measure off how much you need after removing the ice.) And don't over handle your dough.
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mimima
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Jun 25, 2014 19:25:50 GMT
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Post by mimima on Nov 23, 2016 15:37:44 GMT
I'm trying a new piecrust for the first time today and the secret ingredient is two tablespoons of vodka, which is supposed to make the crust super flaky. Someone just told me about this recipe.
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gsquaredmom
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Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Nov 23, 2016 15:39:34 GMT
Not me. And I can do almost anything else.
My mom made amazing pie crusts when I was young. Did not seem to really measure. Just eye-balled the dough.
I tried a couple of times.
Now, IF I make pie, it is storebought crust. I usually just buy the bakery pies. Our local store started carrying the moooooost perrrrrrrfect apple pie. Cost a little more, but the best crust, several apple types with an incredible balance of sweet and tart, and perfectly baked.
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M in Carolina
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Jun 29, 2014 12:11:41 GMT
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Post by M in Carolina on Nov 23, 2016 15:49:19 GMT
America's Test Kitchen did taste tests, etc. and the consensus was that the pre made crusts you roll out are almost as good as a great homemade crust. I started making apple pies as a teen. I wish I had know about Jacque Pepin's rustic apple galettes You just roll out the dough, plop on the filling, and turn the edges over. Sooo easy. I did like doing the double crust. I prefered really tart apples--if I couldn't get great heirloom tart apples from the NC mountains, I went with Granny Smith's. Or you could do a blend. I cored, peeled and sliced, then mixed with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a wee little bit of cloves and some nutmeg. Depending on how tart the apples, taste and add a bit more spice, sugar, or lemon juice. I'd have added some sea salt if I'd know about it--all I has was iodized (and it was that "low sodium" kind that tasted really metallic. The crust is easiest if you have a food processor. Put the flour in the processor's bowl, slice the butter in little cubes and put them on top of the flour around the normal blade--spacing them out kinda evenly helps the dough be flakey. Just pulse a couple times--really fast--don't just hit ON and leave it on. Jacque's directions are great--I've just learned that more evenly dispersing the butter helps. The less the dough is handled, the flakier it will be. Double the recipe if you want a double crust--which I like for an apple pie. I also did a lot of oil pie crusts--King Arthur Flour's recipe before I got my food processor. I wouldn't do olive oil for a sweet pie. I used canola. Pie crust with a food processor is really, really easy. Letting it rest and chill for at least 15 minutes is a must. I just bought some lard (I know, I know, but it has less saturated fat than butter). A little old church lady made the BEST chocolate pie, and she would never divulge her crust recipe-- I think it's because it was made with lard. So I'm going to try it for dh's Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.
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Post by pealikecrazy on Nov 23, 2016 15:50:38 GMT
OK, thanks ladies!! @stephdrebel - you just made me realize... is Suzanne still around here?? I make that Tuscano Soup recipe all. the. time!!
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Post by peano on Nov 23, 2016 16:10:10 GMT
I'm trying a new piecrust for the first time today and the secret ingredient is two tablespoons of vodka, which is supposed to make the crust super flaky. Makes the crust or the baker flakey? SaveSaveThe baker's already flaky!
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scrapaddie
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Jul 8, 2014 20:17:31 GMT
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Post by scrapaddie on Nov 23, 2016 16:13:37 GMT
I have a Kitchen Aid mixer so I use the dough hook and it's pretty easy or you can use a food processor is you have a dough blade. That being said, I always buy mine. It's just as good and one less thing. I hate premade crusts! I love my own crust and it is worth the trouble! Jmho
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Post by mollycoddle on Nov 23, 2016 16:18:32 GMT
And add the water a small amount at a time!
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perumbula
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Jun 26, 2014 18:51:17 GMT
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Post by perumbula on Nov 23, 2016 16:23:38 GMT
I make my own crust, but for a first time baker buying the crust will be fine. if you've got time though, let her try. She'll be so dang proud of that pie it won't matter how it turns out. My white whale is a pastry shell that didn't shrink in the oven. Still trying. Someday all those tricks everyone tells me will actually work.
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Post by chirpingcricket on Nov 23, 2016 16:32:08 GMT
Well, put me in the minority. I've tried four times to make pie crust; it's always a nightmare and ends in tears. I say buy it.
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Post by monklady123 on Nov 23, 2016 16:38:36 GMT
I say buy it! Pie crust is too "fiddly" for me. I know people say it's easy, but then they go on to say things like "add water in tiny amounts at a time" or "don't over knead it" or whatever. And those things are "fiddly". Buy it.
Or -- you didn't say how old your dd is. If she's old enough to do it all herself, and clean up after it, then tell her to go for it. lol And while she is I'd be in the other room with that vodka that someone mentioned, mixed into a lovely glass of cranberry juice ("lovely" because I like the color of cranberry juice).
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Post by psoccer on Nov 23, 2016 16:54:37 GMT
I would let her try it. My mom could whip up a pie crust like nobody's business. She swore by crisco. For me, it is the rolling it out that gets me. It really isn't hard to do, it's just more of a mental thing for me.
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Post by kimpossible on Nov 23, 2016 16:59:50 GMT
Ok, the highest rated pre-made pie crust is the Pillsbury pie crust sheets. They work great!
However, if she really wants to do homemade- try the Pioneer Woman's pie crust recipe. It is a very good one.
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MsKnit
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Jun 26, 2014 19:06:42 GMT
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Post by MsKnit on Nov 23, 2016 17:03:45 GMT
Let her try.
I'm one who finds making pie dough extremely easy. I use a Betty Crocker recipe. Basically, you blend flour and salt. Use a pastry blender to incorporate the Crisco. Add in the water. After adding the water, you want to handle the dough as little as possible.
To roll out...just roll in all directions. And to get the rolled crust into the pie dish, roll the dough around the rolling pin.
I've been making pie dough since I was in single digits. I would make the dough. Mom would make the filling.
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