Last week I was feeling ambitious! This week, I'm a bit of a disaster. I'm essentially a goldfish mom, easily distracted and not doing a great job completing laundry, cleaning, any of the extra tasks that really organized moms do! I'd rather be outside hanging out on a walking path with my dog and my kids and that's ok. Last week, I was an organized mom. I'll get back there!
Last week, hmmmmm....or was that two weeks ago? When I was a super organized, awesome mom, I made pie crust on Monday. I doubled the batch.
This was the recipe I used. Its my favourite. Grandma's Secret Apple Pie. Poor Grandma, the whole internet has her recipe, but its so good, I feel the need to share. I share all good things: ideas, shopping tips, parenting advice. I probably share too much! This one, is definitely share worthy. Thank you Grandma, whoever you were or are, your pie crust is the bomb!
I still remember the first pie crust I ever made. I was in my twenties, living an apartment with a tiny kitchen; had never baked anything before and I was in charge of the apple pie. I screamed at my husband as I tried to piece it together, I almost threw it off of the balcony. It really made me angry! Pie crust is hard to work with! In the end, the pie turned out great, I apologized to my husband and swore I would never bake another pie.
I have since learned so many helpful tips and tricks to get the job done! I actually quite enjoy making pies, at this point, but if I'm making pies, I make a lot of pies! Never have I ever made a single batch of pie crust. If I have to clean up an epic mess, there better be one more pie in the freezer for another dinner party.
Pie crust hates your warm hands. Any of the ingredients you add must be cold, the butter, the water and when you're mixing, use a pastry blender or your fingertips only. Prior to rolling out, chill it in the fridge!
Once you have rolled out your crust, fold it into quarters before placing it in the pan. Always make your pie crust larger than your pan, for ease. Pie crust is easily trimmed and scraps can be rolled up and refrigerated to make tiny pies or turn overs! If you have any rips or tears, join your dough with water and your wet finger tips.
Now fill your pie with anything. I used an apple pie filling I canned from an apple tree in the summer. Or follow the Grandma's Secret Apple Pie recipe. If you've run out of time, leave them wrapped in Saran Wrap for another day!
Booze in a pie? Yes. Butter on top of your fruit? Yes. Here's the apple pie filling recipe I follow:
http://www.frugalfarmwife.com/article/home-canned-apple-pie-filling-recipe/
Once your pie is filled and trimmed, pinch the edges; use a fork to seal and create an impression and then vent. Venting couldn't be more important and what an excellent opportunity to add some beauty to your dessert. My favourite way to vent is to use my tiny cookie cutters, though I have been known to hand cut a jack o lantern face at Hallowe'en.
After you egg wash or milk wash your pie crust, be sure to foil the edges of your pie. Pies bake at a high temperature, your edges will brown quickly. Never forget to sprinkle your warm pie with vanilla sugar as it comes out of the oven for an added treat. Mmmmmm!
I baked this pie for my wonderful neighbour. She's always doing nice things for my family, I felt this was the perfect way to say thank you!
I used the left over crust to make these mini pies, which I glazed with icing sugar, some vanilla and a tsp of water. They were a hit!!
I simply used my mini pie tins and wide mouth Mason Jar to cut. I filled the pies with my canned apple pie filling.
The left over pie crusts became quiche, which my kids love. They freeze supremely well and are extra good with my homemade crust!
Time for this mom to hop out of the backyard and get some of that work I keep complaining about done! Thanks for reading! Feel free to comment below with any questions or concerns or if you just liked this Big Idea!
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