Skinny Piecrust Recipes

THIN BUTTER CRUST

Steps:

• 1. Mix together the flour and salt. Cut the butter into pieces the size of a walnut (about 1 1/2 tablespoons). Mix the flour and butter together in a large bowl, using only your hands, until the butter begins to break up.
• 2. When the flour has just begun to pick up a little color from the butter , add the water, a bit at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. Since the exact amount of water needed will always vary, you have to develop a feel for how much to use.
• 3. Remove the dough from the bowl to a floured surface and knead briefly, just until the dough begins to smooth out. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate immediately. Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes.
• 4. When ready to roll out the dough, divide it in half. Place one half on a floured surface; return the other half to the refrigerator. To roll out the dough, form each half into a flat circle and quickly roll it out in the shape required. Always roll the dough very thin (about 1/4 inch). Line the pie pan with one half and set aside the second half for the upper crust. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• 5. When assembling the pie, wet the edges where the two crusts join, to form a seal. Using your thumb and index finger, crimp them together. Make vents for the steam to escape.
• VARIATION
• Roll out the dough in one piece and cut out circles 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter larger than the tartlet forms. Place the circles in the forms and line with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Add beans, rice or pie beads. Prebake blind at 350 degrees. Cooking time is determined by final use.

SKINNY PIECRUST

Steps:

• Important: have diet margarine at room temperature. Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together in a deep bowl. Add margarine all at once. Cut in with fork or pastry blender and continue mixing until no pastry sticks to the sides of the bowl. Shape into a ball and wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled (one hour or more).

SKINNY CRUSTLESS PUMPKIN PIE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottom and sides (up to the rim) of a 9 1/2-inch regular depth (not deep dish) pie pan with no-stick spray.
• Beat the eggs with a mixer (hand held or stand mixer with whisk attachment). Add remaining ingredients and beat on low setting (to avoid splashing) until combined.
• Add remaining ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg pumpkin puree, salt and fat-free evaporated milk. Beat on low setting (to avoid splashing) until combined.
• Place the prepared pie pan on a light colored (not black) baking sheet. Pour the mixture into the pie pan.
• Bake for 50 minutes and test for doneness by sticking a knife in the middle of the pie. If the knife comes out clean it's done (it may still jiggle a little). If the knife is not clean, bake another 5-10 minutes until the knife comes out clean. Do not over bake!Note: the pie will firm up when removed from the oven so if it still moves a bit don't worry.
• Allow to cool on a wire rack for 2 hours before cutting or chilling in the refrigerator. May be be made the day before serving.