When it comes to baking pies, Chef Don Lim always likes to remind his pie apprentices that there are a few essential ingredients that they will need regardless of the type of pie they are making.
In this blog post, we will go over what those essential ingredients are and why they are important. With this information, you will be able to make any type of pie with confidence!
In short, they are as follows:
- The Crust
- The Filling
- The Topping
Please, Captain, allow us to elaborate more, in case the three components above wasn’t obvious enough.
The Crust
Perhaps the most important component of any pie is the crust.
The crust provides structure and support for the filling, and it also adds flavor and texture. There are many different types of crusts that can be used for pies, but the most common are shortcrust, flaky pastry, and puff pastry.
Shortcrust is made with flour, butter, salt, and water, and it is typically used for savory pies like quiche.
Flaky pastry is made with flour, butter, salt, and ice water, and it is typically used for sweet pies like fruit pies.
Puff pastry is made with flour, butter, salt, and water, and it is typically used for cream pies or tarts.
The Filling
The filling is what gives pies their flavor. But hey, what is life without flavour?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to fillings, but some of the most popular include fruit (like apples or berries), chocolate, custard, pumpkin, and mincemeat. When choosing a filling for your pie, be sure to choose one that pairs well with the type of crust you are using.
For example, a fruit pie would not pair well with a shortcrust crust because the filling would be too heavy.
The Topping
Not all pies have toppings, but for those that do, the topping helps to balance out the flavors and add another layer of texture.
Common toppings include whipped cream, icing sugar, cinnamon sugar, and streusel topping.
Go Forth, My Young Pie Apprentice…
Now that you know the essential ingredients for every pie, you can bake with confidence! Just remember to choose a crust that pairs well with your chosen filling, and don’t forget the topping if you want one.
Happy baking!