With a recipe that has stood the test of time, enter the world of classic baking. Ruth’s Grandma’s Pie Crust is a treasured family recipe that promises a flaky, buttery foundation for your favorite pies. This recipe embodies tradition, bringing comfort and nostalgia to every pie you make. Prepare to embark on a baking journey and savor the magic of a pie crust that is as delicious as it is timeless.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions:
1. Flour Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Mix these dry ingredients together until well incorporated.
2. Butter Bliss: Add the cold and cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key is to have small, pea-sized pieces of butter distributed throughout.
3. Liquid Magic: Drizzle ice water over the flour-butter mixture, starting with 1/4 cup. Gently mix the dough with a fork or your hands. Add more water as needed, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. It should hold its shape when squeezed but not be overly wet.
4. Bringing It Together: Turn the dough out onto a clean, floured surface. Gently knead and press the dough until it forms a cohesive ball. Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disc.
5. Chilling Time: Wrap each disc of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. Chilling allows the dough to relax and the butter to firm up, making it easier to roll out.
6. Rolling Magic: When you’re ready to use the dough, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle that’s about 1/8 inch thick.
7. Crust Placement: Gently place the rolled-out dough into a pie dish. Press it gently against the bottom and sides of the dish, ensuring there are no air pockets.
8. Trim and Decorate: Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges of the pie dish using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. If you’re making a single-crust pie, you can crimp the edges decoratively.
9. Pie Perfection: Follow the instructions for your specific pie recipe to fill and bake the pie crust according to the recipe’s guidelines.
Conclusion: Ruth’s Grandma’s Pie Crust is a testament to the beauty of tradition and the craftsmanship of homemade baking. With its flaky layers and rich buttery flavor, this pie crust is the canvas for your culinary creations. Share the magic with family and friends, and savor the joy of making pies that pay homage to the past while delighting in the present. As you roll out the dough and fill it with your favorite fillings, you’ll be reminded of the timeless artistry of baking and the love that goes into every bite.