Mmmm, pie...

Pie. What more perfect food could you conjure up? I just love pie - sweet or savory. Nothing says home like pie to me. Well, make that good pie. There are so many bad pies out there that they can put someone off of pie if they haven't had good pie. Most restaurant pies fall in that category (Marie Callendar's is an exception) and a lot of homemade pies too. Good pies start and end with a great crust. If the filling is good but the crust is tough or flat or just uninspired - forget about it. A good crust is really all that matters in a great pie. Don't get me wrong, fillings matter certainly. But I can forgive many a sin in a filling if the crust is wonderful. And it just so happens, I have found a wonderful crust recipe. It even passed the test with the best pie makers I know - my sister, mom and grandmother. These three have made some of the best pies on the planet (no, I don't exaggerate!) but they loved this pie crust. So what is the secret? Hmmm...should I share it? Should I divulge the holy grail of pastry, the Lost Ark of baked goods? I'll think about it...but in the meanwhile, bake a pie and get into a little slice of heaven. Mmmm, pie. [Update: See "Perfect Pie" post for recipe.]