Darlene'S Pie Crust
A rich, versatile pie crust made with chicken grease or shortening, ideal for sweet and savory pies, offering flaky texture and deep flavor that holds up well after freezing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
- Divide and roll out for your pie shells as needed.
- Freeze any leftovers for future use; the crust freezes well.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your fats are cold before mixing to achieve a flaky texture in Darlene's Pie Crust. If you don't have chicken grease, using a combination of vegetable shortening and oil works well. You can also substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for added flavor and nutrition. Remember to handle the dough as little as possible to avoid tough crusts.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile pie crust works great for both sweet and savory dishes. Use it for a classic apple pie or a savory chicken pot pie, which pairs beautifully with Chicken Lemon Stew. For a fun twist, try filling it with creamy Chicken, Shrimp Or Sausage Sauce Piquant for a unique dinner option. Serve with a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie crust in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out. If you have leftover baked pies, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating in a warm oven to maintain crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Darlene'S Pie Crust contains roughly 715 calories, with 6g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1771mg per serving (77% 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 butter instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but it may alter the texture slightly, making it a bit less flaky. If you use cold unsalted butter, you can achieve a rich flavor. Just remember to keep the butter chilled to maintain the same flaky result.
How do I prevent my pie crust from shrinking while baking?
To prevent shrinking, ensure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Additionally, avoid stretching the dough while fitting it into the pie pan. Use pie weights or dried beans on top of parchment paper during blind baking to help maintain its shape.
What can I do if my pie crust is too dry?
If your pie crust is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water at a time while mixing until it holds together better. It's important to avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to toughness. If you've already rolled it out, you might need to patch it with a little additional dough.
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).