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How do you pinch the top and bottom of a pie crust?
Pinch the pie crust gently between your thumb and index finger, doing so at an angle and gently pulling up the outer edge of the dough with each pinch. The effect should look like the edges of a rope running all the way around the pie crust.
What is it called when you pinch pie crust?
The most classic crimp is a scalloped crimp, use your index finger to push down on the edge of the pastry and use the finger and thumb of your other hand to pinch the pastry either side.
What do you brush the top of a pie crust with?
Pies with a top crust or lattice top will typically call for an egg or cream wash to be brushed on to the dough just before baking. The type of wash you use is what will give the baked pie a polished finish (it’s also the perfect “glue” for holding sugar that’s sprinkled on the crust).
Why does my pie crust not hold its shape?
If your pie crust is tough instead of tender and flaky, you probably either overworked the dough or added too much water to it. There’s not much to do in this situation but plate up a slice and throw on a scoop of ice cream. Don’t sweat it: You’ll do better next time.
What would happen if you did not dock your pie crust?
Pricking holes in the rolled-out pie dough allows the steam to escape while it’s baking. Without this, the steam would puff up in bubbles and pockets throughout the crust, which would make some parts of the crust cook too quickly and also result in an uneven surface for your filling.
What are 3 characteristics of a quality pastry?
A good pastry is light and airy and fatty, but firm enough to support the weight of the filling. When making a shortcrust pastry, care must be taken to blend the fat and flour thoroughly before adding any liquid. This ensures that the flour granules are adequately coated with fat and less likely to develop gluten.
What are two attractive ways for decorating a pie crust edge?
Leaf Edge. (Use small cookie cutters to cut out pastry to decorate the edge of the pie, such as leaves, hearts or apples. This technique is best for a single-crust pie.) Prepare a double-crust pie crust recipe.
What is fluting pie crust?
two hands to pinching (“flute”) the edge of a pie crust. Credit: Jennifer Causey. Use two hands to pinch (“flute”) the edge of the crust: push your thumb from one hand in between the thumb and index finger of the opposite.
What is docking a pie crust?
Dear Edna: Docking is a term that simply means poking holes in the dough so that it does not puff up during baking. Crackers and flatbreads, unbaked pie shells and the like are docked so as steam builds up during baking, it has a means of escape, rather than causing the dough to rise.
What does Brushing a pie crust with milk do?
Since milk contains a higher water content than cream, it allows the surface to remain wet longer, so it’s best used on expansive doughs, like dinner rolls. Similar to an egg white, milk will provide a semi-gloss shine or matte finish to the final baked dough.
Should I egg wash my pie crust?
One of my very favorite kitchen tricks is to brush a bottom pie crust with an egg white wash before filling. This keeps the filling from seeping into the crust and creating a soggy bottom. I like to avoid soggy bottoms at all costs. Egg white and water is also perfect for sealing edges, like when making a pie.
What do you put on a pie crust to make it brown?
For slight shine, brush with half-and-half cream of heavy whipping cream. For a crisp brown crust, brush with water. For a little sparkle, sprinkle with sugar or decorator sugar after brushing with one of the washes. To give a little more shine to a baked double-crust pie, warm 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup.
Should you bake the bottom pie crust first?
But the one surefire way to make absolutely certain your pie’s crust will be golden brown, crisp, and delicious — just as appealing as its filling — is to prebake it. That’s right: bake the bottom crust first, before adding the filling.
What does vinegar do in a pie crust?
But there are two much more important perks to using vinegar: it provides a little insurance against overworking the dough. And, that splash of vinegar will keep your dough from oxidizing and turning gray. Fresh All-Butter Pie Dough with vinegar (right) and without (left).
How do I make my bottom pie crust crispy?
Bake it Blind. One of the fool-proof ways to assure a crisp bottom pie crust is to do what is called blind baking. Brush the Bottom. Coating the surface of the bottom crust will create a barrier to prevent sogginess. Use a Cookie Sheet. Make a Thicker Crust. Add a Layer.
How do you keep the bottom of a pie from getting soggy?
7 Tips to Help You Avoid a Soggy Pie Crust Use less water. Use the liquid amount as a guideline and sprinkle it on a tablespoon at a time just until your dough comes together. Blind-bake your crust. Fight the puff a better way. Egg wash. Seal your crust with chocolate. Drain the fruit. Use thickeners.
How do you keep an unfilled pie crust from shrinking?
How To Keep Pie Crust From Shrinking Don’t forget to give pie crust time to “rest” Poke holes and use pie weights in the bottom of the crust if pre-baking. Avoid glass pans if possible. Don’t overwork the dough. Don’t stretch the dough to fit the pie pan. Leave a little room around the edges.
Do you always need to blind bake pastry?
To prevent them becoming soggy, shortcrust pastry cases need to be partially cooked before adding moist fillings. This process, known as blind baking, which seals the surface and results in a crisp pastry case.
