Easy Summer Pie Trick Recipe
Food is always a great way to get family and friends to together. In that spirit, I’d like to share a recipe tip I learned from a friend out in Amarillo. Now, I don’t normally share recipes I haven’t tried yet. But with my recent travels to Enesco Showrooms, QVC and other appearances I am a little behind on my summer baking. But this was so ingenious I thought I would share it with my friends.
It’s a vodka apple pie crust. That’s right, vodka! I realize apples are not necessarily in season right now as we eat watermelon in abundance but give it a try before sharing this fall. Let me know what you think!
Vodka Pie Crust
Foolproof and delicious! The vodka evaporates quicker than water, so when you bake it, it makes a light, flaky crust that’s perfect every time and the vodka is tasteless!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 sticks butter
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/4 cup cold vodka
Directions
Process 1 1/2 cups of the flour, salt, and sugar in food processor until combined. Add butter and shortening and process until dough just starts to collect (about 15 seconds; make sure there’s no dry flour left) will resemble cottage cheese curds and there should be no uncoated flour). Scrape down the bowl and then add the remaining cup of flour and give it 4-6 pulses.
Transfer dough to mixing bowl and sprinkle with the vodka and water mixture. Fold liquid in with a rubber spatula until it all sticks together. Divide in to two even balls; flatten each into a 4” round. Wrap each in plastic and refrigerate from 45 minutes to 2 days before using to make your pie.
Perfect for a Summer Barbeque
Every once in a while, a friend will pass on a recipe that they insist we try. If we love it, we’ll add it to our lineup of family favorites. There were two recipes that popped into my mind right away when I started thinking about what I could share with you. Vodka pie crust and banana caramel pie-they’re both so good, I decided to share both.
This pie recipe was shared from a great friend of mine down in Houston. But before I do that I need to make a couple of things clear. First, some of you who’ve seen me on QVC recently have noticed I’m a mere shadow of my former self. Let me assure you this is absolutely intentional. Under orders from a very stern doctor and even sterner wife, Jan. I’m on a strict program and have lost a lot of weight. It feels great. But it means I won’t be able to enjoy this pie this summer and have to live through the pleasure of others. Secondly, I am breaking a vow of secrecy to my friend in Houston who guards this recipe jealously. I plead for forgiveness. It’s perfect for summer parties and your friends will think you’ve gone to culinary school!
I hope you enjoy this recipe!