If you've ever struggled with making pie crust, this recipe is about to become your trusty kitchen companion. With a few simple ingredients and some handy tips, you’ll achieve a flaky, buttery crust that will elevate your pies to new heights.
The secret to a perfect crust starts with the all-purpose flour, which provides structure while allowing for a tender finish. The salt is essential for enhancing flavor, while the granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the richness. Cold, cubed unsalted butter is crucial for achieving those sought-after flaky layers. The ice water and apple cider vinegar come together to hydrate the dough while preventing toughness, thanks to the vinegar's tenderizing properties.
This pie crust is your go-to for any kind of pie. For a classic apple pie, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you're making a chicken pot pie, serve it alongside a fresh green salad. The crust's versatility allows it to complement both sweet and savory fillings beautifully.
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, salt, and sugar. This ensures even distribution of the salt and sugar throughout the flour.
Next, it's time to introduce the butter. Make sure it's chilled and cubed before adding it to your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or even a fork, cut the butter into the flour until you have a consistency that looks like coarse crumbs. The key here is not to overwork it — those visible butter pieces are what create the flakiness.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the ice water and apple cider vinegar. Gradually add this liquid to your flour-butter mixture, stirring gently with a fork. You want the dough to just come together without being too wet.
Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This rest period is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, making rolling out easier.
When you're ready to roll, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and roll out each disc to your desired thickness. Once rolled, carefully place the dough into your pie dish, and you're ready to add your filling!
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