Kids in the Kitchen Make Easy Pie Crust
Children and Adults Alike Enjoy Making Homemade Pies
Jan 16, 2009
Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, a family gathering, or just supper time, pies are a perennial favorite. This easy pie crust recipe is a fine way to begin learning to bake pies. After making several pies this way, friends will be asking to be taught how. Start with observing kitchen safety, gathering ingredients, assembling the crust according to directions, cooking , filling and decorating as desired.
Kitchen Safety with Adult Supervision
A reminder is in order about keeping the kitchen a safe place. When kids cook, a parent or other adult needs to be on hand. The adult can plan with the young cook while teaching about safety. Any time a stove is involved there is potential danger. One of the best ways to teach children is to model safe actions, explaining reasons for cautious behavior at the same time.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 cup flour
- whipped cream or Kool Whip and/or sprinkles, optional
Directions
- Microwave top two ingredients only till soft.
- Mix all three by simply stirring briefly, using back of large spoon to work in the flour.
- Squeeze into a big ball and roll circularly with palms of hands.
- Place into a pie pan.
- Push with fist till spread over bottom of pie pan.
- Use fingers to smash dough up the sides.
- Flute the edges around the top, pinching your way around the top edge of the pie pan.
- Use a fork to pierce several places in order to avoid air pockets.Bake at preheated 325 degree oven for 30 minutes, browning slightly.
- Cool while enjoying the smell.
- Spoon in your favorite pie filling, canned or homemade.
- Add whipped cream or Kool Whip or sprinkles for decoration on the top before serving.
This not only tastes delicious but the crust is healthier than some. It is also easier than the average pie stick in the store.
Ideas for Pie Filling
There is nothing wrong with using a ready made pie filling. Look in your local grocery store to find blueberry, apple, pumpkin and other wonderful choices. After becoming a seasoned pie-maker, there will be time to branch out into making your own pie fillings.
One easy filling to make is homemade pudding. This can be homemade or from the store. Try lemon, chocolate or butterscotch, or vanilla.
Variations
- For lower-fat version, use Smart Balance or other healthy cooking buttery product.
- Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place in mini-muffin tins for tarts, using fingers to shape the tart.
- Tarts can be filled with any pie filling.
- Both pie or tarts can be filled with non-sweet items like creamed ham, quiche, cheese, mushrooms or meat as in meat pot pies.
Kids who have tried this easy pie crust recipe have even been known to take the time to teach an adult how to make a mouth-watering pie. Maybe they'll even serve you the Foil Surprise in the oven while the pie is cooling.
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