Auntie Irenes Foolproof Pie Crust Small Batch Recipes

MARTHA STEWARTS FOOLPROOF PIE CRUST

Steps:

• Put the flour, salt and sugar into a food processor and pulse once or twice.
• Add the butter and process until the mixture looks grainy.
• Then slowly, while pulsing, add the water until you can form the dough by pressing it between your fingers.
• Decant the loose dough onto a piece of plastic wrap.
• Using the wrap, fold the loose dough towards the middle and press with the back of your hands to form dough.
• Split into two pieces and wrap each and chill for at least 4 hours before using.
• Dough can be made ahead for up to one week.

AUNTIE IRENE'S FOOLPROOF PIE CRUST (SMALL BATCH)

Steps:

• Cut first four ingredients together until crumbly; set aside.
• Put vinegar in 2 cup liquid measuring cup.
• Fill to 1/2 cup mark with cold water.
• Add egg and beat with fork.
• Drizzle over dry ingredients; stir with fork.
• Turn onto lightly floured board and knead approximately 5 times, until no longer "sticky".
• Divide by 1/2-3/4 cup measure.
• Roll out on a lightly floured surface, using as little flour as possible and handling as little as possible.
• Bake empty shells at 400°F for 10-12 minutes on the bottom rack of the oven.
• Cooking pies on the bottom rack of the oven will help prevent over browning of the top and soggy crusts on the bottom.
• This dough freezes extremely well; simply flatten divided dough into a disk and put into a Ziploc bag, removing all air; thaw in fridge and roll out as directed.

PEGGY'S FOOLPROOF PIE CRUST

Steps:

• Cut shortening and lard into the flour and salt mixture until it is in a small pea sized lumps.
• Combine the egg, ice water,and vingar.
• Lightly fork into the flour/shortening mixture.
• Pat into two balls.
• Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for awhile.
• Roll out on a well floured surface.
• Makes 1 double pie crust or 2 single pie crust.
• Bake as directed for pie.

BLACK BOTTOM PIE (GINGERSNAP CRUST)

Steps:

• MAKE CRUST:.
• Thoroughly blend the gingersnap crumbs and melted butter. Press on bottom and sides of 9-in pie pan with back of tablespoon. Bake at 350° about 10 minutes. Do not over brown. Cool before filling.
• MAKE FILLING:.
• Soften gelatin in 1/4 cup of the milk. Scald remaining milk in top of double boiler over boiling water.
• Beat egg yolks. Blend in 1/2 cup of the sugar, salt and cornstarch. Add remaining milk slowly, stirring constantly.
• Return to double boiler and cook over simmering water, stirring constantly, until custard coats spoon. Remove from heat. Set aside 1/2 cup custard.
• Add gelatin to remainder and stir until dissolved. Chill.
• Melt 1 1/2 squares of the chocolate. Blend in reserved 1/2 cup custard and vanilla. Pour into crust. Spread evenly. Chill.
• When remaining custard begins to set, blend in rum. Beat egg whites until stiff. Gradually beat in remaining sugar. Fold in custard. Spread over chocolate mixture in pie plate.
• Combine whipped cream and powdered sugar. Spread some over custard. Use a pastry tube with star tip and pipe rest around edges. Shave remaining chocolate over top.
• Chill 4-6 hours.

SWEET AND SNAPPY ZUCCHINI RELISH - SMALL BATCH

Steps:

• Combine zucchini, onion and sweet pepper in a large non-reactive bowl. Sprinkle with salt, stir well. Let stand 1 hour.
• Drain through a sieve, rinse and drain again, pressing out excess water.
• Combine drained vegetables, sugar, vinegar, mustard, celery seed, hot pepper flakes and turmeric in a large stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and boil gently, uncovered until vegetables are tender - about 15 minutes.
• Blend water and cornstarch; stir. Cook 5 minutes or until liquid thickens and turns clear, stirring often.
• Ladle into hot, sterilized jars to within 1/2" of rim. Wipe rims, add hot lids and rings.
• Process in boiling water bath 10 minutes for half-pint jars, 15 minutes for pint jars.