Crust Time

Baking a good pie crust is crucial to a successful holiday pie. The problem is that sometimes it doesn't work out and you wind up with a bad pie. How to avert this dilemma? Follow the recipe to the letter and you'll have a crust to be proud of.

The basic pie crust consists of flour, butter, a pinch of sugar, salt and cold water. You can sub in Crisco or a half and half for butter . The result is actually a more flakier and tender crust. What kind of flour to use? An all purpose kind is your best bet. Don't try Bisquick (unless it's one of their recipes taken from the Bisquick box or website). You can mix everything up in your food processor with the setting on pulse or do it old school. This requires using two knives and crisscrossing the flour and butter until it resembles peas. Gradually add ice water and then make a ball. Chill in the fridge for up til one hour. Raw pie dough can be left in the fridge for up to two days only.

The second most favorite crust is graham cracker. This is the best for a cold pie filling, such as pudding or ice cream . It just requires finely ground graham cracker crumbs mixed with sugar and melted margarine or butter. You can add cinnamon for added flavor. You can also sub in cinnamon graham crackers instead. For chocolate pudding or ice cream pies, use the chocolate flavored ones or better yet thin chocolate snaps. Reserve the crumbs for dusting on top of the pie too.

A perfect pie crust means a perfect pie. Even though it's simple to make, there still can be a few mistakes.Just be diligent and careful and you'll have a successful and great dessert!