Pie Crust 101 In King Arthur Flour Test Kitchen
Pie crust is the foundation of any good pie, and yet it can be one of the most intimidating aspects of pie-making for many home bakers. But fear not, because the experts at King Arthur Flour Test Kitchen are here to guide you through the process with their Pie Crust 101 class.
The Importance of Ingredients
The first step in making a great pie crust is choosing the right ingredients. Flour, fat, salt, and water are the basic components of pie crust, but the quality of these ingredients can make a big difference in the final product.
King Arthur Flour recommends using unbleached all-purpose flour, which has a higher protein content than bleached flour, giving the crust a better structure. For fat, they suggest using a combination of butter and shortening, which gives the crust both flavor and flakiness. And don't forget the salt, which enhances the flavor of the crust.
Mastering the Technique
Once you have your ingredients assembled, it's time to master the technique of making pie crust. The key is to handle the dough as little as possible, so as not to develop too much gluten, which can make the crust tough.
King Arthur Flour recommends mixing the dough in a food processor, which allows you to quickly and easily cut the fat into the flour without overworking the dough. After adding the water, the dough should be just moist enough to hold together when squeezed, but not so wet that it's sticky.
Rolling and Shaping the Crust
Once the dough is mixed, it's time to roll it out and shape it into a crust. King Arthur Flour recommends rolling the dough out on a floured surface, using a rolling pin to create a circle that's slightly larger than your pie pan.
Then, gently transfer the dough to the pie pan, making sure to press it snugly into the corners and up the sides of the pan. Trim off any excess dough and use a fork to prick small holes in the bottom of the crust, which prevents it from puffing up during baking.
Baking and Beyond
Now that your crust is shaped and ready to go, it's time to bake it. King Arthur Flour recommends pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling, which helps it to stay crisp and flaky.
But the fun doesn't stop there. Once you've mastered the basics of pie crust, you can start experimenting with different flavors and techniques. Try adding spices or herbs to the dough, or using different types of fat, like lard or coconut oil.
And don't forget the decorative touches! Crimping the edges of the crust, using cookie cutters to create shapes, or even using a lattice top are all great ways to make your pie look as good as it tastes.
Conclusion
Pie crust may seem intimidating, but with the guidance of the experts at King Arthur Flour Test Kitchen, you'll be making perfect crusts in no time. Remember to choose high-quality ingredients, handle the dough with care, and have fun experimenting with different flavors and techniques. Happy baking!
