Pie Crust

Don't sweat it! Making pie crust from scratch is easy and it keeps in the refrigerator or freezer really well for weeks.

Pate Brisee
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar (optional)
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1/4 - 1/2 cup ice water

This recipe makes enough dough for a double crust pie (one top crust & one bottom crust).

Follow the step by step instructions and you'll be making pie like grandma used to make before you know it!

1. Measuring

Measure your dry ingredients into the bowl of a food processor and pulse once or twice to combine.

2. Cut in the butter

Now add all the cold butter in chunks.

3. Give it a couple of pulses

You only want to give the food processor a few pulses so that the butter gets incorporated. It should look like course meal.

4. Add the ice water

At this point, turn the machine on and SLOWLY add the ice water through the feed tube. You may not use all the water. When the dough just starts to come together turn off the machine.

5. Chill then roll

Dump the dough out of the processor onto plastic wrap, roughly shape it into a disc shape, wrap & refrigerate till chilled - at least a half hour or more.

Then on a lightly floured board roll it out to about a quarter inch think.

7. Almost done

Fit the bottom crust into the pie or tart pan and gently press it into the pan. Alow the sides to over hang the edge of the pan.

Fill the pie and then put the top crust on. Make sure you cut a couple of holes in the top so the steam can escape.

Gently roll the bottom crust and the top crust up together and pinch to create a nice tight seal.

Take an egg and beat it with a little water and brush it all over the crust. This will give it a nice burnished golden color. You can also sprinkle with a bit of sugar to give it crunch.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes to an hour depending on your oven.

8. Baked and bubbly

You want to bake the pie till it's a golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Let it cool slightly on the sheet pan and then remove it to a rack or serve immediately.

9. Yum ... pies from the farmer's market!

OK - if you REALLY don't have the time or inclination to make your own you can find fantastic home made pies at the Montclair Farmer's market!