Pie Crust Experiment with Amelia Bedelia

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With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I wanted to focus on something fun and Thanksgiving related.  So, I decided to do a little pie crust experiment that I have been wanting to try for a while now. The book I chose to focus on for this theme is Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie. See more of my book activities for kids.

Amelia Bedelia has long been a favorite book character of mine. I remember reading books about her as a kid and just laughing at all of the silly things she said and did. I also always remember how good she is at making pie in the stories. Her pies always make everyone happy. So, when I was thinking of a Thanksgiving related story, my mind went to Amelia Bedelia.

The book, Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie is all about her learning to make a great pie when she was younger. IT is such a cute story that my kids have really enjoyed. It even gives a yummy pie recipe in the back! I’ll be honest, I did not try her recipe, because I have my own favorite pie recipe that I made, but my daughter is begging me to try Amelia’s recipe. So, we will soon!  For the pie crust experiment, I used my family’s favorite pie crust recipe that came from my grandma who was a gourmet chef.

How to do the Pie Crust Experiment:

I made my traditional 2 crust pie recipe 3 different ways, once with butter, once with shortening and once with coconut oil. It is usually made with shortening, but I am really steering clear of the white goop these days. Since I wanted to try it a new way, why not make it into an experiment?  I quartered my recipe and did it in 3 different bowls, one with each of the different types of fat.

All the kids wanted to be a part of this yummy experiment!

Then we rolled it out and cut into strips.   I usually do this with the remains of my pie dough and make it into cookies with butter, cinnamon and sugar. Today, we spread on some cinnamon honey butter that we had in the fridge instead. Then we baked it at 400 degrees for 12 minutes.

I was surprised with the results of our pie crust experiment. I thought I would like my traditional recipe the best, but I really preferred the coconut oil pie crust the best. It is sweeter and just as flaky as the one with shortening. Plus coconut oil is so much better for you!!  2 of my kids also preferred the coconut oil crust as well. One like it best with butter, but I thought the butter one was a little too salty.

Now for the DELICIOUS and PERFECT pie crust recipe that has been used in my family for years:

2 c. flour
1 c. shortening (or your fat of choice)
1 tsp. salt
5-6 Tbsp ICE water.

Mix the first three ingredients with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly. Then add the ICE water. Mix until combined. Roll out on a floured surface. Makes 1 crust (top & bottom).

More Pie: Pi Day~ How to Make an Apple Pie

More Food Science:

Food Science: Make a Loaf of Bread in a Bag

Kitchen Science: Homemade Butter in a Jar

Kitchen Chemistry: Cake Experiment