Amazingly Easy Pie Crusts ๐ฅง
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: 2 pie crusts
Description
This is the EASIEST way to make a quick two-crust pie crust! Forget measurements and pastry blenders! Whatever amount of flour you need, you then take HALF that amount for your lard/margarine amount. Motto “Half as much fat as flour.” Do as the English do and use half lard and half butter for the shortening.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup margarine
- 5 tablespoons water
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cut the butter into cubes, and then toss the butter and lard into flour. |
| 2 | Using your hands, crumble it up into a fine, pebbly, grainy sort of dough. |
| 3 | Add water, enough to make soft dough. |
| 4 | Form into a ball, and chill for about an hour. |
| 5 | When chilled, knead it a couple of times on a floured surface. |
| 6 | Roll it out, and proceed to fill with your choice of pie fillings. |
This pie crust recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. The secret lies in the ratio: “Half as much fat as flour.” Following this motto ensures a perfect, flaky crust every time. Incorporating both lard and butter adds richness and flavor, a technique borrowed from traditional English baking.
To begin, gather your ingredients: all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, margarine, and water. Cutting the butter into cubes makes it easier to incorporate into the flour mixture. Once combined, use your hands to create a crumbly dough with a texture resembling fine grains or pebbles. Adding just enough water to achieve a soft dough consistency is key.
After forming the dough into a ball, chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step allows the fats to firm up, making the dough easier to handle and roll out. Once chilled, knead the dough briefly on a floured surface to ensure a smooth consistency.
Now comes the fun partโrolling out the dough! With a rolling pin and a dusting of flour, roll the dough into a thin, even sheet. This versatile crust is perfect for both sweet and savory pies, so feel free to get creative with your fillings. Whether you’re making a classic apple pie or a savory quiche, this crust will provide the perfect buttery, flaky base for your creation.
Once filled, simply top your pie with another layer of dough, crimp the edges, and bake according to your recipe’s instructions. With its simplicity and versatility, this amazingly easy pie crust is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the delicious results of minimal effort with maximum flavor!
