Embark on a culinary adventure as we dive into the realm of pastry crust mix, a versatile foundation for a multitude of delectable treats. Whether you're a seasoned baker or embarking on your first baking journey, this guide will lead you through the nuances of selecting the perfect pastry crust mix, ensuring a golden, flaky crust that will elevate your culinary creations. Discover the secrets of creating a crisp, buttery crust that will complement any filling, from sweet and fruity to savory and hearty.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
PASTRY CRUST MIX (COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG COOKBOOK)
This goes with the Colonial Game Pie recipe, but is also a great basic pastry crust recipe. Either lard or vegetable shortening may be used. I have not tried this with butter, but it works great with crisco shortening.
Provided by Susan Feliciano
Categories Other Breads
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. Mix the dry ingredients together. Blend in the shortening with knives or a pastry blender until the mixture is of pebbly consistency. OR, place ingredients in food processor and PULSE until of coarse consistency. Store mix in a covered container in the refrigerator. When needed, measure out the following amounts:
- 2. 8-inch pie: One crust, 1 to 1 1/4 cups. Two crust, 2 to 2 1/4 cups 9-inch pie: One crust, 1 1/2 cups. Two crust, 2 1/2 cups 10-inch pie: One crust, 1 3/4 cups. Two crust, 2 3/4 cups 12 tart shells: 2 3/4 cups
- 3. Moisten the measured pastry mix with enough ice water to hold the dough together when pushed lightly with a fork. Roll out on a lightly flourerd board or pastry cloth.
- 4. Note: when a recipe calls for a prebaked shell or shells, line the pan(s) with dough, prick well with a fork, weight with beans or pie weights, and bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
PASTRY CRUST MIX
You can turn out a finished pie crust in a matter of minutes using this Basic Pastry Mix. With several flavors of crust to choose from, you're sure to find one that's a hit at your house!-Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 15m
Yield 8 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in half of the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cut in remaining shortening. Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks. Yield: 8 cups. , For Double Crust: Place 2 to 2-3/4 cups Basic Pastry Mix in a medium bowl. With a fork, gently mix in 4 to 6 tablespoons cold water to moisten dry ingredients. Form into a ball. For ease of handling, wrap and chill until ready use. Divide dough in half so that one ball is slightly larger than the other. Roll out larger ball to fit a 9-in. to 10-in. pie plate. Trim pastry even with edge. Fill crust with desired filling. Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie. Place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in pastry. Bake according to recipe directions. Yield: pastry for double-crust pie (9 or 10 in.) , For single crust: Place 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 cups Basic Pastry Mix in a large bowl. Gradually add 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes if desired. Roll out pastry to fit a 9-in. to 10-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of pie plate; flute edges. Fill or bake shell according to recipe directions. Or bake without filling at 400° for 10 minutes or until the pastry is light golden brown. Yield: Pastry for single-crust pie (9 or 10 in.) , Spicy Pastry: Prepare as directed above for a single-crust pie, except mix 1-1/2 cups Basic Pastry Mix with 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Add 1 tablespoon light molasses and 1 to 3 tablespoons cold water until dough forms a ball. Yield: pastry for single-crust pie (9 or 10 in.) , Chocolate Pastry: Prepare as directed above for a single-crust pie, except mix 1-1/2 cups Basic Pastry Mix with 2 tablespoons chocolate drink mix. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water until dough forms a ball. Yield: Pastry for single-crust pie (9 or 10 in.). , Basic Pastry Mix may be used to prepare the following recipes (also found in Recipe Finder): To Make Pie Pastry, Spicy Pastry and Chocolate Pastry.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- Choosing the Right Flour: All-purpose flour is the most commonly used flour for pie crusts, but you can also experiment with different types of flour, such as bread flour, whole wheat flour, or gluten-free flour, depending on your desired crust texture and flavor.
- Keeping the Butter Cold: Cold butter is essential for a flaky crust. Keep the butter chilled until you're ready to use it, and work it into the flour quickly to avoid melting.
- Working Quickly: Overworking the dough can result in a tough crust. Work the dough just enough to bring it together, then chill it before rolling it out.
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps to firm up the butter and prevent the gluten from developing too much, resulting in a more tender crust.
- Using Ice Water: Ice water helps to keep the butter cold and prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
- Rolling the Dough Evenly: Roll the dough out evenly to ensure that it bakes evenly. Use a light touch and avoid over-rolling.
- Trimming the Excess Dough: Trim any excess dough around the edges of the pie plate to prevent the crust from shrinking.
- Baking the Crust Blind: Blind baking helps to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Use pie weights or dried beans to weigh down the crust while it bakes.
Conclusion:
With careful attention to detail and a few simple techniques, you can master the art of making perfect pie crusts. Experiment with different types of flour and fillings to create a variety of delicious and visually appealing pies that will impress your family and friends. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first few attempts don't turn out as expected. Keep experimenting and learning, and you'll eventually become a pie-baking pro!
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