Pies and Pastries

Pies are among the easiest of desserts to prepare because there is such a wide latitude in the crusts and fillings. The shortening, be it butter or lard, can be increased or decreased according to individual taste. The more shortening, of course, the more fragile the pastry and the more difficult to handle. For best results, the dough should be worked as quickly and as little as possible or it will toughen. Many experts recommend placing a dough-lined pie plate in the refrigerator before filling because the chilling helps the dough retain its shape during cooking.