I made my first EVER from scatch pie crust and blueberry pie!

this weekend dh and I went to pick blueberries and tart cherries.

usually I cheat and make a crisp b/c I have always been terrified of tacking pie crusts.

dh REALLY REALLY likes pie so I decided to go for it this weekend.

the result...it was ok. dh said it was good (and he is too mean to lie so I think I am ok here ) but it was REALLY unattractive.

I feel like the crust was a little dry (even though I put in the MAX plus of recommended water amount) and I SUCK at rolling out, b/c it was BARELY big enough for my pie pan (9 inch deep dish)

the filling was great...if you have time to go picking in the next few weeks, the fruit is BEYOND out there now!!!!

but the crust REALLY needs some work.

any pie bakers out here that can give me some tips?

for what I did, I used the dough blade on my food processor (and I'll be posting a separate issue about this in a minute) and used the "basic" recipe from the Joy of Cooking, which called for a higher ration of veg shortening to butter.

I have NEVER worked with shortening before, so this was a little weird. there is a deluxe version of the recipe, with more butter to shortening, so I may try this next time.

do you find it easier to combine manually with a pastry cutter, or go the techie way with a food processor?

do you go the full monte and use the marble slab?

I really want to get this "right" and yummy, so any tips are appreciated.

TIA.

Re: I made my first EVER from scatch pie crust and blueberry pie!

I have a couple of pie crust recipes at home..I'll check them out and see if it differs from the one you used. I usually combine the ingredients manually though.

Re: I made my first EVER from scatch pie crust and blueberry pie!

good for you! practice makes perfect!

we are a cobbler household! I don't have the nerve to try pie

Re: I made my first EVER from scatch pie crust and blueberry pie!

I have a crust recipe that I LOVE. It's at home. I'll post later.

Re: I made my first EVER from scatch pie crust and blueberry pie!

I use the fool-proof pie crust recipe from cook's illustrated and get raves. Its super easy as you can do most of it in a food processor. Here is a link with pictures:

Foolproof Pie Dough

And here is the actual recipe:

Recipe

HTH!

Re: I made my first EVER from scatch pie crust and blueberry pie!

I usually mix my pie crusts with a fork on my own....I don't remember the recipe exactly though...but it turns out really yummy!