Mamaw'S Pie Crust
A versatile and flaky pie crust perfect for sweet and savory pies alike, offering a tender texture and rich flavor that complements any filling.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the flour, salt, egg, vinegar, and cold water.
- Add the shortening and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Roll out the dough to the desired thickness and shape for your pie.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, make sure your shortening is very cold before mixing. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with butter or a vegan alternative, but this may alter the flavor slightly. Adding a bit of sugar can also enhance the sweetness if you're making a dessert pie. Use a pastry cutter for blending the shortening for a better texture.
Serving Suggestions
This pie crust is perfect for both savory and sweet pies. Serve it filled with your favorite fillings, such as fresh fruit or a hearty meat mixture. It pairs beautifully with Country Soup for a complete meal. Consider serving a slice with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for dessert, enhancing the flavors of your pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie crust in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mamaw'S Pie Crust contains roughly 838 calories, with 1g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1789mg per serving (78% 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 whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may result in a denser crust. To maintain flakiness, consider mixing it with some all-purpose flour. Adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly to achieve the desired dough consistency.
How can I prevent my crust from shrinking while baking?
To prevent shrinking, make sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. Also, avoid stretching the dough when placing it in the pie dish. Use pie weights or dried beans during baking to help maintain its shape.
What is the best way to blind bake this crust?
To blind bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the crust and fit it into the pie pan, then prick the bottom with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and add pie weights. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden.
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).