Creating the perfect pie crust can often feel like a daunting task for home bakers. Many aim for that ideal balance of flakiness and tenderness, but achieving it can be tricky. Look no further than Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, for a reliable and easy-to-follow pie crust recipe. Known for her approachable style and delicious, family-friendly recipes, Ree’s pie crust is a game-changer. This recipe, highlighted in her cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays, utilizes a combination of vegetable shortening (Crisco) and butter to deliver a truly exceptional crust.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays cookbook cover
What makes The Pioneer Woman’s pie crust recipe stand out? It’s the perfect marriage of ingredients and technique. The use of both Crisco and butter is key. Crisco, or vegetable shortening, contributes to the flakiness of the crust, while butter adds rich flavor and tenderness. This combination ensures a crust that is both structurally sound and delightfully delicious. Ree Drummond’s recipe is also praised for its straightforward instructions, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Pie Crust Recipe Pioneer Woman is designed for success. The step-by-step instructions, often accompanied by helpful photos in her cookbook, guide you through each stage of the process. From combining the dry ingredients to the crucial step of chilling the dough, every detail is thoughtfully explained.
Step-by-step photo instructions in The Pioneer Woman's pie crust recipe
Let’s dive into the recipe itself and explore why it’s become a favorite for so many home cooks. This pie crust recipe pioneer woman is not just about ingredients; it’s about understanding the method to create a truly exceptional base for your pies.
The Pioneer Woman Perfect Pie Crust Recipe
This recipe yields enough dough for two standard pie crusts, perfect for a double-crust pie or two single-crust pies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings: 2 pie crusts
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 5 tablespoons ice water, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Fats: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold vegetable shortening and cold butter pieces to the bowl.
- Cut in the Fats: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the shortening and butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to create coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of fat remaining. This is crucial for a flaky crust. Don’t overmix!
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg with a fork. Add the vinegar to the egg, then add the ice water.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. If the dough seems too dry, add an additional tablespoon or two of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a shaggy ball. Be careful not to add too much water, which can make the crust tough.
- Form and Chill: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the gluten to relax and the fats to firm up. This chilling step is essential for a tender and easy-to-roll crust.
- Rolling and Baking: Once chilled, remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape for your pie. Proceed with your pie recipe.
This pie crust recipe pioneer woman offers is a fantastic starting point for any pie baker. The combination of Crisco and butter ensures a delightful texture, and Ree Drummond’s clear instructions make the process approachable. Whether you’re making a savory quiche or a sweet fruit pie, this crust will provide the perfect foundation for your culinary creations. Give this pie crust recipe a try and experience the joy of baking a truly perfect pie crust, just like The Pioneer Woman!
