Apple Pie Crust

I totally get it, store bought pie crust are an awesome convenience. And with today’s world set at a 24/7 pace, with no sign of it ever slowing down, any little convenience is handy. Not to mention that there are those rare individuals who don’t like to spend all their time in the kitchen. But, I am here to explain that in less time than it takes to go to the store and buy your little bit of “convenience”, you can make your pie……and eat it, too.

Most people have the ingredients to make a basic pie crust in their pantry. All you need is some flour, sugar, butter and/or shortening, and some water. You can spend a few seconds on the internet and find 1,000,001 people that will tell you how to put them together and make a perfectly average crust. But, seriously, who wants average?

Average + Imagination = Spectacular

There are certain characteristics that people expect from a pie crust. Light, flaky, and buttery are always used as a descriptive terms, but how often do you hear the words “amazing flavor” used to describe any crust?

I have found a couple of little adjustments to the ingredients for an average pie crust recipe that make it spectacular, and this is what you are going to need to make it at home:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp. nutmeg

• 3 Tbsp. sugar

• 1/4 cup butter flavored shortening, chilled

• 12 Tbsp. salted butter, chilled and cubed

• 1/4 cup ice cold apple juice

Like with any pie crust, you start with the flour, just whisk in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. I start with working the shortening into the flour, with my hands, just a little, before I add the butter. Now, at this point, if you normally use a pastry cutter, go right ahead. Myself, I like to use my hands. I can do it faster that way, and I don’t mind getting my hands dirty. Some people are different. Next, using your hands, work the apple juice into the flour mixture slowly, only adding a couple of tablespoons at a time. Once it comes together, divide into 2 equal parts for a top and bottom crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling out on a well-floured surface.

Now that you have the perfectly amazing apple pie crust, make your favorite apple pie filling and enjoy!

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