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How to Make Pie Tips for Making a Better Pie by Nikki Willhite   Ever heard the expression- "Easy as pie?"  I think not.   Maybe if you forget the crust. I remember my first attempts at pie making. The crust gave a good imitation of cement. I know one woman who has won repeated awards for her pies How does she do it? - well, let's just say there is more shortening in the crust than flour.  I'm sure none of us want to do that, so here are some tips to make a better pie. The Crust - When ever possible, make a graham cracker crust. - When you add water, to make a crisper crust, use ice water. Be sure to evenly sprinkle it over the flour. - Add 1/2 tsp of baking powder to the dry ingredients before adding the water. - Don't use your hands to mix the pie crust dough. The heat from your hands makes the dough tough.  Use 2 knives or a pastry blender to cut the shortening into the flour. - Always roll the dough from the center outwards, using as little flour as possible, and delicate, gentle strokes. - If you are are just learning...try rolling the dough between 2 pieces of wax paper. Later you will get the feel of the dough, and know how to add just enough flour so it won't stick. - To avoid burning the edge of the pie crust when baking, cover with narrow strips of aluminum foil while baking. Remove immediately when pie comes out of the oven- to avoid a soggy crust. The Filling This is much easier. In fact...it's pretty hard to mess up.  Here are a couple of tips: - If a fruit filling is too sweet, add the juice of one-half a lemon. - With a cherry pie, add red food coloring. It makes it look much nicer. - To prevent spills in the oven with certain pies, be sure to put a larger pie pan or cookie sheet under your pie. - When making pumpkin pie, be sure to make those edges high or all the liquid mixture won't fit in. - If making a pie that calls for a cool crust, be sure to prick the crust thoroughly before you bake it so it won't shrink, then allow it to cool completely before you add your pudding or other filling. I hope this helps. Remember, pie always tastes better with whipped cream or ice cream.  Enjoy,  and be proud of your creation.   About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money.  Article first published at www.allthingsfrugal.com

 

 

 

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