11/19/10

2 Pre-Baked Pie Crust 101: Blind Baking

Blind baking?  No, this recipe does not require a blindfold.  Whew.

Sometimes, a recipe will call for a pie crust that is already baked or partially baked.

This crust would be perfect for any custard type pie, such as coconut  or banana cream, butterscotch,  or lemon meringue.


First, follow the recipe and instructions for a single crust pie.

The post there describes a fluted edge.

I tried to make a rope-like edge like Cathy's post here...

Pinch and twist....pinch and twist...

Doesn't quite look the same, does it?

I just figured out why.


I went in the wrong direction.


Yup.

I'm directionally impaired.  I officially need a GPS for baking...

If you want yours to look like Cathy's and you're right handed, go in a clock-wise direction around the plate.

That's down and to the right.....

Next,  prick the bottom and sides of your pastry with a fork...

Don't go super crazy and poke a zillion holes...a dozen or so on the bottom and some fork pokes about 2" apart on the sides will do.

Stick it in the freezer to chill for 30 minutes.  This will help prevent shrinkage and the sides from slumping.

Fire up your oven.  Get your pastry out of the freezer and put a piece of parchment paper, large coffee filter, or heavy duty aluminum foil on it.

Fill it to the brim with dry beans or rice. 

Make sure the beans/rice fit snugly along the sides.  This is what "Blind Baking" a pastry is....you can't see the bottom, can you?

Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes.

Remove the beans and liner. 

Save the beans in a separate container to re-use for your next pie crust ~

Now you can see the bottom...looks a little pale, don't you think?

Return the pie crust to the oven for another ten minutes to brown up the bottom.   Ahhhhhh.....That's better!

Let it cool on a rack for at least an hour.

What are you going to put in your pre-baked pie crust?



Pre-Baked Pie Crust
(4x6 recipe download)    (full page printable recipe)

2 comments:

  1. Love all the pie crust tips! You are amazing, that's all I have to say.

    ReplyDelete

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