Is it the crust or the filling?

Who can honestly say they don't like pie?

I love pie... But I find myself torn between what makes me love it so much.  Is it the flaky, buttery crust that keeps me wanting more? Or is it the luscious steaming hot filling that does it for me?
Regardless, you can't expect a tasty, crisp, buttery, tender pie unless you have the right crust!

Ive finally found a fool proof recipe that I'm excited to share with you.

2 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 Cup of cold unsalted butter (cut up into small pieces)
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons of lemon juice
1 egg
1 tablespoon cold water

~In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt
~Add the cold butter and using your hands combine it with the flour and continue to break it up into small pieces until you've achieved a crumbly texture
~In a small bowl combine the water and lemon juice then add it to the mixture
~Using your hands, combine the ingredients until you can form the dough into 2 discs
~Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm
~When you pull out the dough, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes
~Roll each disc into 1/4 inch thickness, this will cover a standard 9" pie dish
~Fill with your favourite homemade fruit filling and top it with the other rolled out disc
~Be sure to make a slit (about half an inch long) the top of the pie...this will allow all the steam to escape ensuring a perfectly cooked filling!
~Trim off any excess dough and pinch the two layers together, I like to use a fork to pinch it together. Makes a pretty pattern too!
~In a small bowl make an egg wash by whisking the egg and the tablespoon of cold water together
~Gently brush the wash onto the top of the pie for a nice golden, crisp and evenly baked crust!

This pie dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept in the fridge until your ready to use.  You will need to allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes prior to rolling.

The dough is very forgiving so don't be intimidated or afraid if you think you've ruined it or you've broken it.  It can easily be repaired by folding and pinching it back together.

The best thing about any pie, is you can fill them with just about anything.  Let the filling speak for itself.  Don't get crazy with the seasoning, you don't need it.  The fruit changes its flavour when its cooked, adding depth, richness and sweet and bitter undertones that you simply won't appreciate if you overdue it!


Enjoy!
Natalie Mascia