Monday, February 20, 2017

What the week holds, and pie crust

Last week I was determined to make some pie crust in bulk.  I figured that with all of that turkey, we could have some great pot pies, not to mention fruit pies!  While I love the store bought pie crusts, I knew I could make my own.  It's one of those recipes/skills not passed down to me, so I found a method to make my own and I have to say, I'm really pleased with how this project turned out!
I used a 5 lb. bag of flour (with 2 cups of it removed), a 3 lb. can of shortening, four eggs, 2 cups water, a tablespoon of vinegar, 1 1/3 T salt, and 3 T sugar.  The largest container I have to mix all that up in is a stockpot!
And instead of a pastry cutter or large fork, I used a potato masher - proving you can improvise with what you have!  I cut the shortening into the flour, salt, and sugar.  Then I mixed the eggs and water well and added them in.  It took a lot of muscle power to get everything combined!  Then I set the pot in the fridge to rest for 15 min while I cleaned up.
 I sprinkled flour over my work surface and patted the dough out so I could divide it into 20 portions.  Each one will be a separate pie crust.  For this I just used a big knife, but I may have to get myself a scraper for making it easier in the future.
I rolled each crust into a bit of flour so they wouldn't be as sticky going into zip loc bags.  Then I put all of them into a container in the freezer. 
After I use a few of them I should be able to put the lid on for better long-term storage.
That night I tested one of them in a cherry pie turnover for four - drizzled with confectioner's sugar glaze and it was delightful.  I did it!  I am proud of myself for learning pie crust - only time will tell how they hold up in the freezer and translate into various dinners and dessert.  This week Hubby will be home, getting ready to transition to a new job in March.  Bubbie has a band night lock-in, then on Saturday and Sunday, Hubby and I will spend some down time in Burnet.  Spring is going to be here fast, and I have so many projects I want to start!  What does your week look like?



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2 comments:

Simply LKJ said...

Wow. You go girl. I really should do this with our GF pizza dough.

Rue said...

Hi Gina :)

You've been a very busy girl with all the decluttering! I'm impressed. I really need to get on that myself.

You've inspired me to make pie crusts. Only time will tell if it actually happens LOL But I really think it would save a lot of time.

xo,
rue