🥧 Auntie Irene’s Foolproof Pie Crust (Small Batch) 🥧
📜 What is it and its History:
Auntie Irene’s Foolproof Pie Crust is a cherished family recipe that has been passed down through the generations. This small batch pie crust is renowned for its simplicity and the delightful flakiness it brings to every pie. The recipe originated with Auntie Irene, who was known for her delicious pies and her secret to achieving the perfect pie crust.
🧁 Components:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients – flour, salt, chilled butter, and ice water.
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Cut the Butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes. It’s important to keep the butter as cold as possible, as this will help create a flaky texture.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. You can use a whisk or fork to make sure they are well mixed.
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Incorporate the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour. The goal is to create a mixture with pea-sized butter pieces.
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Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, to the mixture. Gently stir with a fork or your hands. Only add enough water for the dough to come together. You’ll know it’s ready when it forms a shaggy ball.
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Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the butter to solidify and helps the crust to be flaky.
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Roll Out the Crust: After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.
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Place in Pie Dish: Gently transfer the rolled-out crust into your pie dish. Press it into the bottom and up the sides, trimming any excess.
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Bake as Needed: Depending on your pie recipe, you can either pre-bake the crust or fill it with your desired pie filling and bake according to your pie’s instructions.
🕒 Time Needed to Prepare:
The preparation time for Auntie Irene’s Foolproof Pie Crust is approximately 15-20 minutes, not including the chilling time. It’s worth noting that allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes is essential for the best results, but this can be done while you prepare your pie filling. The total time may vary depending on the specific pie recipe you’re making.
Happy pie baking! 🥧👩🍳😊
🥧 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Auntie Irene’s Foolproof Pie Crust (Small Batch) 🥧
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for one serving, which is 1/8 of the crust):
- Calories: Approximately 190 kcal
- Total Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9 grams
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Health Information:
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Caloric Content: Auntie Irene’s Foolproof Pie Crust is relatively high in calories, with a significant portion of these calories coming from fat.
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Fat Content: It’s important to note that the crust is rich in fat, primarily due to the butter. While this contributes to its flakiness and delicious flavor, it’s a good idea to consume such treats in moderation.
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Saturated Fat: A substantial portion of the fat is saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to heart health concerns. Consider enjoying this pie crust as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
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Cholesterol: The crust contains cholesterol, which is mainly derived from the butter. Elevated cholesterol levels can be associated with an increased risk of heart disease, so individuals with high cholesterol or those watching their cholesterol intake should be mindful.
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Sodium: The sodium content is relatively moderate, but it’s essential to be mindful of sodium intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions related to salt.
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Carbohydrates and Fiber: The crust provides carbohydrates but lacks dietary fiber. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet is essential for digestive health.
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Sugars: There are no added sugars in the crust, making it suitable for those who need to watch their sugar intake.
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Protein: The crust contains a small amount of protein. However, it’s not a significant source of this nutrient.
In summary, Auntie Irene’s Foolproof Pie Crust is a delightful, homemade treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to its relatively high fat and calorie content. It’s perfect for special occasions and indulgent desserts, but for a balanced diet, it’s essential to complement it with healthier food choices rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 🥧🍽️👩🍳
