
March 14th marks Pi Day, our favorite math-inspired holiday. Whether you love mathematics or just enjoy a delicious pie, Pi Day is the perfect time to make a homemade pie. Our REALTORS® suggest following these tips for a delicious way to celebrate the day.
- Keep Your Butter Cold
Cold butter is essential for a flaky pie crust. Unfortunately, when exposed to room temperature, butter wants to melt, making it difficult to maintain a cold, hard texture. If you make your pie crust with soft or melted butter, it will be tough and unable to retain its shape.
Make sure that you leave your butter in the fridge until the last possible moment. Adjust the thermostat to keep your home cool, so the interior temperature doesn't prematurely melt your butter. When using a recipe that calls for water, ensure the water is ice cold. Freeze all your tools, including your mixing bowl, mixer attachments, and baking vessel.
If you notice that your pie dough feels warm when working with it, put it in the freezer or fridge until it's cool.
- Check That Your Fruit Filling is the Appropriate Thickness
When baking a fruit pie, you want to make sure that the filling isn't too runny. Otherwise, the moisture from the filling will cause your pie crust to become soggy. You can keep your filling thick by tossing your fruit in cornstarch.
- Know How to Roll Your Dough Properly
While a dusting of flour can help prevent your pie dough from sticking when you roll it out, it might not be enough. Try chilling your dough between rollings, and roll it out between two pieces of parchment paper. The parchment paper will also make it easier for you to transfer the dough to your pie pan.
If your schedule includes checking out Ashland homes for sale, the parchment paper will allow easier cleanup before you leave.
- Try Blind Baking Your Crust
If your pie crust has a history of getting soggy, try blind baking it. This means that you'll prebake the pie crust before filling it.
To blind bake, put the pie dough in your pie dish, line the dough with foil, and fill it with raw rice or beans. The beans or rice will keep the dough from puffing up. Bake it at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until the dough no longer looks wet. Then, remove the foil and its contents and bake it another 10 to 15 minutes (or until the crust turns golden). Allow the crust to cool before filling and baking it.
- Brush Your Pie to Adjust Its Appearance
Pie brushing lets you change your pie's appearance to suit your preferences. If you prefer a matte look, brush the pie with heavy cream or whole milk. You can give your pie a glittery look by brushing it with egg whites and sprinkling course white sugar on it. Make sure to brush your pie before baking it.
Following these simple tips will give you a delicious, beautiful pie to celebrate Pi Day. Want a home with more space for baking? Contact us to explore your options.