The quest for the perfect pie crust often feels like an endless journey for bakers. We all dream of that flaky, tender crust that complements our delicious fillings, and it turns out the secret might just lie in a recipe from none other than The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Known for her approachable and delicious home cooking, Ree’s pie crust recipe, featuring a combination of Crisco and butter, has become a go-to for many home bakers. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and why it might just be the best pie crust you’ll ever make.
Step-by-step instructions from The Pioneer Woman Cooks cookbook for making pie crust
Who is The Pioneer Woman?
For those unfamiliar, The Pioneer Woman is Ree Drummond, a city girl turned ranch wife who has captivated millions with her blog, cookbooks, and Food Network show. Her relatable style and comforting recipes have made her a household name. Ree’s journey began online, sharing glimpses of ranch life and family recipes, and has since blossomed into a multimedia empire. Her warm personality and practical approach to cooking resonate with a wide audience, making her recipes trustworthy and eagerly anticipated. When The Pioneer Woman shares a recipe, especially for a baking staple like pie crust, people listen.
Why This Pie Crust Recipe Stands Out
Ree Drummond’s pie crust recipe isn’t just another recipe; it’s often touted as the “best” for several reasons. The magic lies in the combination of ingredients and the technique. Using both vegetable shortening (Crisco) and butter is a key element. Shortening contributes to flakiness, while butter adds flavor and tenderness. This duo creates a pie crust that is both structurally sound and delightfully flavorful. The recipe is also praised for its ease of handling. Many pie crust recipes can be finicky, but Ree’s recipe is known for being relatively easy to work with, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Pie Crust
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this pie crust exceptional:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of any good pie crust.
- Salt: Essential for flavor balance, enhancing the other ingredients.
- Vegetable shortening (Crisco): Crucial for creating a flaky texture. Shortening has a higher melting point than butter, which helps create distinct layers of gluten and fat, resulting in flakiness.
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to tenderness. The butter should be cold to prevent it from melting into the flour, which would result in a tougher crust.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough.
- Distilled white vinegar: Helps to tenderize the dough by inhibiting gluten development. It also adds a subtle tang that complements the other flavors.
- Cold water: Essential for bringing the dough together. Ice water is often recommended to keep the fats cold.
Step-by-Step to Pioneer Woman Perfect Pie Crust
Ready to bake? Here’s how to make The Pioneer Woman’s Perfect Pie Crust:
Yields: 2 pie crusts
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 5 tablespoons ice water, plus more if needed
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Pastry cutter or food processor (optional)
- Fork
- Plastic wrap
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients and fats: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold shortening and butter pieces.
- Cut in the fats: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the shortening and butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. If using a food processor, pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to over-process.
- Wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg with a fork. Add the vinegar and cold water to the egg mixture.
- 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 dough. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form dough balls and chill: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax and the fats to solidify, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing shrinkage during baking.
- Roll out and bake: When ready to bake, remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape. Transfer to your pie dish and proceed with your pie recipe.
Tips for Pie Crust Perfection
- Keep everything cold: Cold ingredients are key to a flaky pie crust. Make sure your butter, shortening, and water are all properly chilled.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough: Chilling is not optional! It’s essential for a tender and flaky crust.
- Use a pastry cutter or food processor: These tools help to quickly and efficiently cut the fats into the flour without overworking the dough.
- Blind bake when necessary: If you’re making a pie with a wet filling, blind baking the crust will prevent a soggy bottom.
The Pioneer Woman’s Cookbook: A Year of Holidays
This fantastic pie crust recipe is featured in Ree Drummond’s cookbook, “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays“. This cookbook is a treasure trove of recipes perfect for any holiday celebration, from Thanksgiving to Christmas and everything in between. Beyond just recipes, the book is filled with Ree’s signature step-by-step photos and heartwarming stories of life on the ranch, making it a joy to read and cook from. If you’re looking to elevate your holiday baking and cooking, this cookbook is a worthwhile addition to your kitchen library.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman’s Best Pie Crust recipe is a winner for a reason. Its reliable results, ease of use, and delicious flavor make it a standout choice for any pie baker. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a path to pie crust perfection. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to impress with your beautifully flaky and tender homemade pie crust!
