Aida’s Single Pie Crust is a classic pastry crust used as the base for various sweet and savory pies. While there is no specific historical record associated with Aida’s Single Pie Crust, it’s a variation of the traditional pie crust that has been a staple in baking for generations. Let’s break down its components, steps to prepare it, and the time needed:
Components:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
Steps to Prepare Aida’s Single Pie Crust:
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
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Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. You can use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to achieve a crumbly texture with pea-sized butter pieces.
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Add Ice Water: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture and gently mix. Add more ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. You don’t want it to be too wet.
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Form Dough: Gather the dough and shape it into a flat disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the butter to solidify, which results in a flaky crust.
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Roll Out Dough: After chilling, place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out into a circle, about 12 inches in diameter, depending on your pie dish size.
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Transfer to Pie Dish: Carefully lift the rolled-out dough and place it into your pie dish. Trim any excess overhang, leaving a slight edge for crimping or decorating.
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Prebake (Optional): Depending on your pie recipe, you might need to prebake the crust before filling it. Follow your specific pie recipe instructions for this step.
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Fill and Bake: Once the crust is prepared according to your pie recipe, you can add your desired filling and bake accordingly.
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes or more (can be prepared in advance and refrigerated)
- Rolling and Assembling Time: Varies depending on your experience, but typically about 10-15 minutes
- Baking Time: Depends on the specific pie recipe, but typically 30 minutes to an hour or more.
Please note that the total time can vary based on factors such as the type of pie you’re making and your level of experience. Always follow the instructions of your specific pie recipe for the best results. Enjoy your homemade pie crust!
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts for a typical single pie crust made following Aida’s recipe:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings, but can vary depending on usage):
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Total Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Cholesterol: 30-40mg
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19-22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2-3g
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors like the exact measurements used and the type of ingredients chosen. Pie crusts are typically high in fat due to the butter, and their nutritional content may not be suitable for a low-fat or low-calorie diet. It’s important to keep portion sizes in mind when considering the overall nutritional impact of your pie.
In terms of health information, while pie crusts are delicious and versatile, they are not considered a health food due to their high-fat content. The butter used contributes to saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, the high calorie content makes it important to be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re concerned about calorie intake.
If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, you may want to consider alternatives, such as whole wheat pie crusts or crusts made with healthier fats, to better align with your nutritional goals.
