Best Amish Never Fail Pie Crust Recipes

What Makes Amish Never Fail Pie Crust Recipes So Popular?

For generations, Amish never fail pie crust recipes have been passed on from one household to another. These recipes are trusted and relied upon by many, and have become increasingly popular over time. So what makes these recipes so special and sought after? Firstly, these recipes use basic ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. Flour, fat, salt, and water are the main staples used in the recipe. This simplicity ensures that anyone can make the pie crust, regardless of cooking expertise or access to specialty ingredients. Secondly, the crusts produced by these recipes are extremely flaky and tender. This is achieved by the use of fat (usually butter or lard) which is added in small pieces to the dry ingredients. When the mixture is combined with water, the fat forms small pockets which expand during baking, creating a flaky crust. Lastly, these recipes have been tested and refined over generations. Amish households have a strong tradition of baking, and pie making in particular. This means that the recipes have been used repeatedly and perfected over years of trial and error.

The Process of Making Amish Never Fail Pie Crusts

While there are many variations of the Amish never fail pie crust recipe, the process of making these crusts generally follows the same basic steps. Firstly, the dry ingredients are mixed together in a bowl. This includes flour, salt, and sugar (optional). Once these ingredients are combined, the fat is added. The fat should be cold and cut into small pieces before being added to the mixture. Next, the fat is worked into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is to have small pieces of fat distributed throughout the mixture. Once this is achieved, ice water is added to the mixture to bring the dough together. It is worth noting that the dough should be handled as little as possible to avoid overworking the dough. Overworking the dough can result in a tough and dense crust. Once the dough is formed, it is chilled for at least an hour before being rolled out and used as the pie crust.

Alternative Recipe Variations

While the traditional Amish never fail pie crust recipe is the most commonly used, there are variations that can produce equally delicious results. For example, some households use vinegar instead of water, which creates an even flakier crust. Additionally, some recipes use sour cream or cream cheese instead of butter or lard as the fat, which results in a more tangy and unique flavor.

Savory Pie Crusts

While pie crusts are typically used for sweet pies, these crusts can also be used for savory pies, such as quiches or pot pies. To create a savory pie crust, simply omit the sugar and add your preferred seasonings, such as herbs or spices, to the dry ingredients. This results in a versatile crust that can be used for both sweet and savory pies.

Single Crust Pies

While the traditional recipe results in a double crust pie, there are variations for those who prefer a single crust pie. In this case, simply halve the recipe and follow the same steps, but skip the step where the dough is divided in two.

Closing Thoughts

The Amish never fail pie crust recipe is a treasured tradition that has been relied upon for generations. The simple ingredients, flaky texture, and versatility make these crusts stand out amongst other recipes. While these crusts may require a bit more effort than store-bought crusts, they are well worth the time and effort for their delicious flavor and texture.

Valuable Tips for Making Amish Never Fail Pie Crust Recipes A delicious and flaky pie crust is an essential element of any pie. But many people are intimidated by the idea of making their own crust from scratch. Fortunately, the Amish never fail pie crust recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently great results. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when making Amish never fail pie crust recipes. 1. Use the Right Ingredients The key to making a great pie crust is using the right ingredients. For the Amish never fail pie crust recipe, you'll need flour, salt, shortening or lard, and ice water. It's important to use cold ingredients because this will help the dough stay flaky. You can also add a little bit of sugar or vinegar to the recipe for added flavor. 2. Keep Everything Cold As mentioned above, cold ingredients are important for making a flaky pie crust. You should keep everything as cold as possible when making the dough. This means refrigerating the shortening, flour, and even the bowl and utensils you'll be using. You should also use ice water instead of room temperature water. 3. Don't Overwork the Dough One of the most common mistakes people make when making pie crust is overworking the dough. This can cause the crust to be tough and chewy instead of flaky. Once you've mixed the ingredients together, you should knead the dough a few times until it comes together. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. 4. Use the Right Rolling Pin When rolling out your pie crust, you should use a rolling pin that is heavy and has a smooth surface. A French rolling pin is a good choice because it allows you to apply even pressure to the dough. You should also use a little bit of flour on your rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking. 5. Roll Out the Dough Carefully When rolling out the dough, you should be gentle and take your time. You want to roll it out to the right thickness without stretching or tearing it. You can check the thickness of the dough by measuring it with a ruler or using special rolling pin rings. Always roll the dough from the center outwards to prevent it from becoming uneven. 6. Use the Right Pie Dish The type of pie dish you use can affect the outcome of your pie crust. A glass or ceramic dish is a good choice because it allows the crust to cook evenly. You should also make sure the dish is the right size for your recipe and that it's deep enough to hold the filling. 7. Crimp the Edges of the Crust Crimping the edges of the crust is a traditional decoration that also helps to seal the pie. You can use a fork or your fingers to create a decorative edge. Make sure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out. 8. Pre-Bake the Crust Pre-baking the crust is especially important if you're making a pie with a custard or cream filling. Blind baking the crust will help it hold up better and prevent it from becoming soggy. You can do this by lining the crust with parchment paper or foil and filling it with dry beans or pie weights. Bake the crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. 9. Brush the Crust with Egg Wash Brushing the crust with egg wash before baking can give it a beautiful golden color and a slightly glossy finish. To make an egg wash, whisk together an egg and a little bit of water or milk. You can also sprinkle the crust with a little bit of sugar or cinnamon for added flavor. 10. Let the Pie Cool Completely After baking your pie, it's important to let it cool completely before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents the pie from becoming runny. Most pies will need to cool for at least an hour or two, but some may need to cool overnight. In conclusion, making a delicious and flaky Amish never fail pie crust is easy with the right ingredients and techniques. Follow these valuable tips to create a perfect pie crust every time.