Ep 6. Pie Dough

In the sixth episode of season one of Bake With Anna Olson, titled Pie Dough, pastry expert Anna Olson sets out to teach viewers the secrets to creating the perfect pie crust. Pie dough can be notoriously difficult to work with, but Anna breaks down the process step-by-step to help novice bakers master this essential skill.

Anna begins by demonstrating two different types of crusts: a flaky all-butter crust and a tender cream cheese crust. She explains the difference between the two, and how to decide which will work best for your pie recipe. With her ingredients measured out and ready to go, Anna gets started on the all-butter crust.

She explains that the key to a flaky crust is to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture in a specific way, so that the fat remains in chunks throughout the dough. Anna shows viewers how to achieve this by using a pastry blender or a food processor to cut the butter into the flour. She also shares tips for working with cold ingredients and keeping the dough chilled throughout the process.

Once the dough is made, Anna rolls it out and fits it into a pie dish. She demonstrates how to create a decorative edge, and gives viewers ideas for different types of crusts to try, such as lattice or crumb toppings. With the all-butter crust complete, Anna moves on to the cream cheese crust.

Cream cheese crusts are more forgiving than all-butter crusts, making them a good choice for beginners. Anna explains that the cream cheese adds richness and tenderness to the dough, and shows viewers how to incorporate it into the flour mixture using a stand mixer or food processor. She then demonstrates how to roll out and shape the dough, and how to use it to make a lattice-topped cherry pie.

Throughout the episode, Anna shares her top tips for making perfect pie dough, including how to prevent the dough from shrinking during baking, and how to troubleshoot common problems like soggy bottoms or tough crusts. She also offers ideas for delicious pie fillings, such as berry, pumpkin, or apple.

As the episode draws to a close, Anna reflects on the joy of sharing pies with friends and family, and the satisfaction of mastering such an important baking skill. With her expert guidance, viewers will be ready to tackle their own pie creations with confidence and ease.