The first one’s scandalous.
Nailing it can take a lifetime.
But why wait a lifetime if you’ve got the option to learn a few shortcuts?
Photo: Getty Images
If you’re ready to up your baking game, here are several genius tricks and tips.
For a vegetarianbutter replacement, opt for cold vegetable shortening or cold clarified butter in a 1:1 substitution.
By starting with a tart apple, your flavors will be more balanced.
Keller says to incorporate both diced and grated apples into your filling.
“Alternatively, the diced apple provides a textural contrast.”
Use Cornstarch As Your Secret Weapon
Adding a small amount ofcornstarchto your filling will help it set.
Cornstarch is a thickeneryou may have come across gravy or sauce recipes that call for cornstarch dissolved in water.
It’s commonly used in savory dishes as a thickening element and plays the same role in pie.
Using a mixer can overwork the dough, which will make the crust tough in the end.
Repeat this four times, rotating the dough a quarter turn each time.
You then trigger the risk of emulsifying the fats and the flour, which will prevent a flaky crust.
Parchment paper is not as strong as cling wrap, and aluminum foil tends to stick into the dough.
Enlist a Baking Stone
Using a baking stone will help the crust and pie bake evenly.
Lattice the Crust
Use the iconic lattice top.
Alcohol does not have the same effect on gluten as water does.
Enlist the Double Chill
Chilling your pie crust?
Leaving your pie crust at room temperature is a big mistakeremember all the tips about the butter?
But if you double-chill your dough, you’re practically guaranteeing crust success.
For the first chill, you should leave it in the fridge for about two hours.
A puffy pie crust from the heavens.
Let It Rest
You might want to serve your apple pie warm from the oven.
However, it’s crucial to let it cool a little bit before you cut into it.
If you serve the pie too hot, the filling will run all over the place.
It’s hard to resist, but let your pie rest for around an hour before serving it.
How to make the best pie ever using science.University of California.
Published November 21, 2018.
