Four And Twenty Blackbirds All Butter Pie Crust
The History of Four And Twenty Blackbirds
Four And Twenty Blackbirds is a Brooklyn-based bakery that specializes in making artisanal pies. The company was founded in 2010 by sisters Melissa and Emily Elsen. The name of the bakery comes from the nursery rhyme "Sing a Song of Sixpence" which includes the line "Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie."
The All-Butter Pie Crust Recipe
One of the most popular items at Four And Twenty Blackbirds is their all-butter pie crust. This recipe is known for its flaky, buttery texture. The crust is made using a combination of flour, salt, sugar, and butter. The butter is cut into the flour mixture until it forms pea-sized clumps. Ice water is then added to the mixture until it forms a dough.
Once the dough is formed, it is rolled out and used to line a pie dish. The crust can be used for both sweet and savory pies. It is often paired with seasonal fruit fillings or rich custards.
Why Use All-Butter?
Many pie crust recipes call for a combination of butter and shortening. However, Four And Twenty Blackbirds uses only butter in their recipe. This is because butter has a richer, more complex flavor than shortening. The all-butter crust also has a more delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
Using all-butter can be more challenging than using shortening because butter has a lower melting point. It is important to keep the ingredients and equipment as cold as possible to prevent the butter from melting too quickly. This can make the dough tough and difficult to work with.
Tips for Making the Perfect All-Butter Pie Crust
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect all-butter pie crust:
- Use the freshest ingredients possible
- Keep the ingredients and equipment as cold as possible
- Use a light hand when mixing the dough to prevent it from becoming tough
- Roll the dough out evenly to ensure even baking
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent shrinkage
Conclusion
The all-butter pie crust is a delicious and versatile recipe that is perfect for both sweet and savory pies. The recipe from Four And Twenty Blackbirds is known for its flaky, buttery texture and rich, complex flavor. By following the tips above, you can make the perfect pie crust every time.