Crisco Pastry
A versatile homemade pastry crust with flaky, tender layers perfect for pies and tarts, suited for bakers seeking a classic, buttery crust with easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sifted flour and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut in Crisco with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture is fairly coarse and uniform.
- Sprinkle with ice water a tablespoon at a time; toss lightly with a fork after each addition until all water is incorporated.
- Work the dough into a firm ball.
- Divide the dough into two parts and roll each to fit the pie pan.
- Bake according to the pie recipe.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your Crisco is very cold before mixing. You can substitute half the Crisco with unsalted butter for added flavor. If you prefer a whole wheat option, replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Remember to handle the dough as little as possible to maintain its tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
This Crisco pastry is perfect for both sweet and savory pies. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert or pair it with a fresh salad for a light meal. It complements dishes like the Old-Fashioned Perfection Salad beautifully, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pastry, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have unbaked dough, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and roll out as needed. Baked pastry can be reheated in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crisco Pastry contains roughly 874 calories, with 25g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this pastry for a savory pie?
Absolutely! This pastry works wonderfully for savory pies such as quiches or pot pies. Just ensure you season your filling well to enhance the overall flavor. The buttery crust will complement rich fillings perfectly.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly and not holding together, try adding a little more ice water, one tablespoon at a time. Ensure you mix it gently and avoid overworking the dough, as this can make it tough.
How can I prevent my pie crust from shrinking during baking?
To prevent shrinking, make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. Also, using pie weights during blind baking can help maintain the shape of the crust. This ensures a perfect base for your favorite fillings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).