Dough For Open Face Pies Recipe

Recipe for Dough for Open Face Pies

Open face pies are a classic dessert that bring back memories of cozy family gatherings and delicious homemade treats. The dough for these pies is a vital component, providing the perfect balance of flakiness and tenderness to complement the sweet filling. In this recipe, we will be using a variation of the dough used for Cinnamon Buns to create a delectable crust for fruit pies such as apple, plum, huckleberry, and peach.

History of Open Face Pies:
Open face pies, also known as single-crust pies, have a long history that can be traced back to Ancient Rome. The use of pastry started as a way to preserve the fillings and to make them more portable. Over time, people discovered that the crust itself could be just as delicious and satisfying as the filling, leading to the creation of open face pies.

Fun Facts:
- The concept of open face pies is similar to the French tart, but with a more rustic and homestyle presentation.
- Open face pies are traditionally served without a top crust, allowing the filling to be the star of the show.
- The open face design offers an opportunity for creative and decorative pie crust patterns.

Now, let's dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup cold milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter dough)
- Drippings or water (substitutes for butter and milk respectively)

Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. If you prefer a slightly sweeter dough, you can add the granulated sugar at this stage.
2. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold milk to the mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough starts to come together. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a few teaspoons of cold water or drippings to help bind it together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it until it forms a smooth ball. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disk.
5. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the dough to rest and chill.
6. After the chilling time, remove one disk from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit the size of your pie dish. For an open face pie, you'll only need a single crust, so keep that in mind while rolling it out.
8. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
9. At this point, you can fill the crust with your desired fruit filling, such as apple, plum, huckleberry, or peach. Follow your chosen recipe for the filling and baking instructions.
10. Bake the pie according to your fruit filling recipe, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly and fragrant.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoyed making the dough for open face pies, you might also like to explore other delicious pie recipes. Some popular options include:

1. Double-Crust Pies: These pies have a top and bottom crust, enclosing the filling completely. Common variations include apple pie, cherry pie, and pumpkin pie.

2. Galettes: Galettes are rustic, free-form pastries with a single crust folded up around the filling. They can be sweet or savory and are a great option if you're looking for a more relaxed and casual pie experience.

3. Quiches: Quiches are savory pies that often feature a custard filling enriched with cheese, vegetables, and meats. They are perfect for brunch or lunch and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Remember, making homemade pies is a labor of love, and the effort you put into creating the perfect dough will be rewarded with a delicious and memorable dessert. So grab your rolling pin, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a delightful open face pie that is sure to impress!