Even if You’re a Non-Baker!
Don’t let pies intimidate you! With these easy tips, you’ll make great pies every time.
Tip 1: Use a pie crust mix. I figured a pie crust mix would be okay for those who are not comfortable making crusts but would offer little for experienced pie makers. I was wrong. I can’t make a better crust. In fact, it consistently makes a better pie than many of my carefully crafted crusts. And it saves a bunch of time. It makes a nice, flaky, soft crust with hardly any work–just add water and mix. Give it a try.
Tip 2: Use the right pan. If you are making a fruit pie, you must use a dark heavy metal pan. Dark metal pans absorb heat to cook your crust to crisp and avoid “soggy bottoms.” If you are making a crumb crust, use a silver pan to reflect the heat away from your tender graham or other crumbs.
Tip 3: Use a premade filling. Yes, nothing beats fresh but when you’re in a hurry, you can make a very good pie with a premade filling.
Tip 4: Consider a streusel topping. It’s easier and faster than a pastry topping—just mix, sprinkle, and bake.
Tip 5: Bake your crust completely but don’t burn it. It takes a little patience to cook that bottom crust thoroughly and avoid the soggy bottoms. In the meantime, the top rim burns. But that’s easy to solve—just use a pie crust shield.
There you have it. Easy components. You do the assembly and stick it in the oven. You’ll have great pies every time.