Episode 4: Pie crust

Last week we were invited to a potluck and the plan was to take an apple pie. So we made the pie and split it into two episodes. Consider this Part 1 of 2: The crust.

When I made this recipe I used a little whole wheat flour. You can use the same portions and make it totally with all-purpose flour or totally with whole wheat flour. I've also made this same recipe with pastry flour. Since it was a fruit pie I went easy on the whole wheat. But if you're making chicken pot-pie or something like that then you may want to make it meatier.

You will need:
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of whole wheat flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup of cold butter, cut into small pieces
3 or 4 tablespoons water

Mix together the flour and salt. If you're making your crust in the mixer just put the butter in and let it get mixed up with the flour. If you're doing it by hand just cut it in with a pastry cutter (Like I did with the biscuits in Episode 3.) or use two knives to cut it in. Then add up to 4 tablespoons of cold water. In the mixer you almost never need more than 3 tablespoons because it mixes really well. If you're doing it by hand you may need 4, but don't use more than that. It will get too gooey and hard to work with. Keep mixing until it's all moist and can form into a ball. Make a disk and wrap in plastic to use later or roll it out and top your favorite pie. The disk will keep in your fridge for a few days in and in your freezer for a couple weeks.

One of the best things about making pie crust is that it doesn't have any eggs. That means you can taste it. It's so buttery and YUMMY! Even before you cook it!

Episode 3: Biscuits from scratch

Making this episode of my show was a little tricky because we filmed it while my brother was awake. Every time I tried to say something he would shout out, "Mama!" But my biscuits turned out perfectly, even with all of his "help."

I picked biscuits for this episode because I love any excuse to get the honey jar out and my mom will usually let me have as much honey as I want on my biscuits. Also because so many of my mom's friends ask her for the recipe and they think making biscuits is tricky. How crazy. All you have to do is mix up some stuff and put it in the oven. Easy Cheesy!

You will need:
2 cups of flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt (Or just a few shakes.)
1/2 cup of butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup milk

Turn your oven on to 450 degrees

Stir together the first 5 ingredients. Cut in the butter with 2 knives or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add the milk and stir until the dough clings together. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface, knead a few times and then flatten with your hands of a rolling pin to about a 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with a biscuit cutter, cookie cutter or a cup. Put the biscuit on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Eat them warm drenched in honey or jam. They're also yummy with an egg sandwiched in the middle.