Expert: Micki Sannar - 10/9/2009

Question
Hi, I'm have two apple pie recipes; one that uses butter and one that uses shortening, I was wondering if you know how each would taste and which you recommend. Thank you.

Answer
Hi There Alice,

Thanks for your question regarding your pie crust recipes.

Pie crust made with shortening is of the most flaky pie crust, but the tastes often leaves something to be desired. If you or those you are baking for are concerned about your health, this recipe is not the best to choose. Shortening is a man made fat, loaded with hydrogenated oil and these types of fat have been named more than once as large contributors to the world of heart disease.

Pie crust made with butter is delicious and absolutely better tasting than pie crust made with shortening, Butter crust is more temperamental to work with than shortening crust. If the dough is over-worked, it can become very tough in texture. When made properly, pie crust made with butter is delicious and flaky.  Again, if health is a factor, go easy on this one.

I am adding a third recipe to your collection. This pie crust recipe is made with olive oil. Pie crust made with olive oil is not only healthier for you, it is easy to make, has a fantastic texture, and it is delicious. Should you choose to try my pie crust recipe, be sure to use PURE olive oil. Pure olive oil can be purchased at your local grocery store. Pure olive oil is high in monounsaturated acids (MUFAs) and those MUFAs have been medically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease.


Perfect Olive Oil Pie Crust
Olive Oil Desserts- Delicious and Healthy Heart Smart Baking    
   
(Yields 1~2 piece pie crust)

Oil pie crusts are notorious for being difficult to work with. After much experimenting,
this crust came out perfect. It is the simplest pie crust you will ever make. It bakes up light
and crispy.

Ingredients
2½ cups..............all purpose flour, sifted
1 tablespoon........ granulated sugar
1 teaspoon...........salt
½ cup................pure olive oil
⅔ cup................low-fat buttermilk
1 teaspoon...........pure vanilla extract

Egg Wash (optional)
1 medium.............egg white
2 teaspoons..........cold water

Preparation

1. In mixing bowl add flour, sugar, and salt.
Mix together.

2. Add olive oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Using
a spatula, blend all ingredients. If necessary,
add a sprinkle of flour to create desired texture;
not too wet and not too dry.

3. Divide dough into 2 equal parts. Form balls
and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Flatten
with the palm of your hand. Let rest for 5~10
minutes (no need to refrigerate).

4. Roll out between wax or parchment paper.
Assemble pie according to recipe instructions.

Egg Wash Preparation

Mix egg white and water together until well
blended. Using a pastry brush, brush egg mixture
on the top pie crust. Dust the top of the
crust with 1~2 teaspoonfuls of sugar. Bake according
to recipe instructions.

The egg and water mixture brushed on top helps
the sugar stick to the crust as well as making
the pie look shiny on top!

Hope this helps, and I am wishing you the best in pie crust baking...

Micki Sannar
Author and Cooking Instructor