What does adding an egg to pastry do?

What does adding an egg to pastry do?

The protein in the egg helps make the pastry brown while the fat in the egg yolk gives the pastry shine, and any added liquid will help make the mixture smoother and easier to brush on. So, if you choose to do an egg wash with only egg whites, your pastry will not be as shiny without the fat from the yolk.

Which pie dough produces a more tender crust?

I like to use pastry flour because it contains less gluten than all-purpose flour and therefore creates a more tender crust, but all-purpose flour will work just fine if that’s what you have on hand.

Which type of flour is best for pie dough?

Flour: For a tender crust, choose a low-protein flour. Pastry flour, with a protein content of about 8-10%, ranks between all-purpose flour and cake flour. All-purpose flour works just fine for pie crusts, while cake flour might lack enough protein to form a workable, elastic dough.

What is the best pie crust?

Directions Butter a 9-inch pie plate or skillet and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour and the salt. Gradually add enough ice water to the mixture while mixing with a wooden spoon until a ball of dough is formed. Pour the dough onto a lightly floured sheet of plastic wrap and form into a disc.

How do you make a pie crust with vinegar?

Directions Mix salt with flour. With pastry cutter or fork and knife, cut shortening into flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg and knead in just until mixed. Quickly add vinegar and ice water all at once. Knead until dough is a cohesive, homogenous ball that just begins to pull away from sides.

How do you make pie dough with butter?

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Roll dough out to fit a 9 inch pie plate.

What is the recipe for pie crust?

A basic pie crust recipe starts with one cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/3 cup of shortening, butter or lard and three tablespoons of ice water. Butter-flavored shortening is always a good choice for a pie crust.