Mother'S Pie Dough

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

A versatile and flaky pie dough perfect for classic homemade pies, offering rich flavor and tender texture, ideal for both sweet and savory fillings, suitable for all skill levels.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup lard
  • 7 or 8 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Cut the lard into the flour and salt thoroughly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Sprinkle cold water over the mixture and knead gently until the dough comes together.
  3. Divide the dough to make one complete pie crust and one shell.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier crust, ensure your lard is cold and cut it into the flour quickly to avoid warming it up. If you don't have lard, you can substitute with butter or a vegan alternative for a different flavor. Adjust the amount of cold water depending on the humidity in your kitchen, as this can affect dough consistency. Use a pastry cutter for best results.

Serving Suggestions

This pie dough is perfect for both sweet and savory pies. Fill it with your favorite fillings such as fruits for a classic dessert or meats and vegetables for a hearty dish. It pairs beautifully with Waldorf Crown Salad for a refreshing side. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dough wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the dough for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat a baked pie, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother'S Pie Dough contains roughly 647 calories, with 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1748mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

647 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 60.9g 78% DV
Carbs 22.2g 8% DV
Fiber 4.9g 17% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1747.7mg 76% DV
Potassium 140.3mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 57mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin D 1.5mcg 8% DV
Calcium 145.3mg 11% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 all-purpose flour instead of regular flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works well for this recipe. It provides a good structure and texture for the pie crust. Just ensure to measure it properly for best results.

What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough is crumbly, it may need a bit more moisture. Gradually add an extra tablespoon of cold water while mixing until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain its flakiness.

How do I know when the dough is ready?

The dough is ready when it holds together without crumbling and can be easily shaped into a ball. It should be smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a bit more cold water.

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).

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