A Discussion about Pie Dough

Pie Dough - Probably the main reason people don't like making pie. The process makes people nervous. Will it be tough or crumbly? Will it shrink? How much water is really needed? What type of fat? Should I use an egg? What about vinegar or vodka?

Also, there are so many recipes out there with subtle differences that it is hard to know which one to pick since many of them have called themselves "The Best Ever ..." I have researched 10 different pie dough recipes. I have found my favorite and I will share at the end with my reasons, but this is a personal journey. I really think that you have to find the pie dough that works foryou. Within my own family, we don't agree. My brother has a totally different favorite and that works for him.

Pie Dough Matrix - I have only put the ingredients since the technique is so similar in all of them. I prefer making the dough in the food processor, but it can be made easily by hand using a pastry blender. I don't like using my hands to blend in the fat, since that introduces more warmth and a cold dough during processing produces a flakier crust.

Basic technique:

Put flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor, pulse a couple of times. Add the fat (not the egg) and pulse until the fat is the size of peas. Add the egg (if using) and the vinegar. Add 4 T water and pulse 3 times. Continue to add water and pulse until the dough begins to clump but does not form a ball on its own. Dump the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together. Form into a 1-inch thick disk (this helps in rolling out later). Refrigerate.

I tend to prefer the one's with a mixture of fat. I like butter for flavor and shortening for the flakiness it gives. Also, shortening allows the addition of a little more water without making the dough tough and that makes the dough easier to work with.

Shrinking happens when we stretch the dough to fit the pan and also when the dough has been worked too much. Allow your dough to rest after mixing it at least 30 minutes in the fridge and then carefully place it in your pan without stretching the dough.

The main thing is to try something. Success will come and you can have pretty and delicious pies for you and your family and friends.

Remember - Every Day is Pie Day!