Embarking on the journey of baking a single pie crust is like stepping into a world of culinary magic. The process, while seemingly simple, holds the key to creating a delicious and memorable dessert. In this guide, we'll explore how to make pastry for a single pie crust, including our tried - and - true method for making it in a food processor. Our single pie crust recipe has been a favorite for decades, and it's time for you to discover its charm.
First and foremost, let's gather the essential ingredients. You'll need all - purpose flour, which forms the base of the crust. The flour provides structure and texture. For a standard single pie crust, about 1 1/4 cups of all - purpose flour should do the trick. Next, we have unsalted butter. Butter is what gives the crust its rich, buttery flavor and flakiness. Cut the butter into small cubes and keep it cold. Cold butter is crucial as it creates those lovely layers in the crust when baked. You'll need around 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter.
Another important ingredient is ice water. Ice water helps to bind the dough together without over - working it. You'll only need about 3 to 4 tablespoons of ice water, but the exact amount may vary depending on the humidity and the flour you're using. A pinch of salt is also added to enhance the flavor. Salt brings out the sweetness of the filling and balances the overall taste of the crust.
Now, let's talk about the food processor method. Place the all - purpose flour and salt in the food processor. Pulse a few times to combine them evenly. Then, add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Pulse the food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want some pieces of butter to be the size of small peas. This is what will create the flaky texture in the crust.
Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while pulsing the food processor. Stop as soon as the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to over - process the dough, as this can make it tough. Once the dough is formed, take it out of the food processor and shape it into a disk. Wrap the disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Refrigerating the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll out.
When it's time to roll out the pie crust, take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator. Place it on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough from the center outwards, turning the dough a quarter - turn after each roll. Aim for a circular shape that is about 2 inches larger than your pie plate. This extra size will allow you to fit the crust into the plate easily and create a nice edge.
Carefully transfer the rolled - out dough to the pie plate. Press the dough gently into the plate, making sure it fits snugly into the corners and edges. Trim any excess dough around the edge, leaving about 1/2 inch of overhang. You can then crimp the edges of the crust using your fingers or a fork to create a decorative and sealed edge.
At this point, you have a beautiful single pie crust ready to be filled. You can use it for a sweet fruit pie, like apple or cherry, or a savory pie, such as quiche. The possibilities are endless. If you're making a pie with a wet filling, you may want to blind - bake the crust first. To blind - bake, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake it in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 10 - 12 minutes, then remove the weights and paper and bake for an additional 5 - 7 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
Once you've filled your pie crust with your desired filling, bake it according to the recipe instructions. As the pie bakes, the crust will turn a beautiful golden brown, and the aroma of the filling will fill your kitchen. When it's done, let the pie cool for a while before slicing into it. The result is a delicious single pie with a perfect crust that will surely impress your family and friends.
In conclusion, mastering the art of making a single pie crust is a rewarding experience. With our recipe and the food processor method, you can create a crust that is flaky, buttery, and full of flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start baking your own delicious pies today!
