English Pie Crusts

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup cold water

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter and, using a pastry blender, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add the cold water, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing with the pastry blender until the dough just comes together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together.
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. When ready to use, roll out each disc on a lightly floured surface to a 10-inch circle.
7. Transfer the crust to a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
8. Trim the edges as needed and crimp them with a fork.
9. Fill with your favorite pie filling and bake according to the recipe instructions.

Interesting Facts

• English pie crusts are a classic, traditional pie crust that is made with butter and is popular in the United Kingdom.
• English pie crusts are flaky and buttery and are perfect for sweet and savory pies.
• The key to making a perfect crust is to keep all the ingredients as cold as possible and to handle the dough as little as possible.