A method for preparing the base of a pie using manual techniques, foregoing the use of an electrical appliance that automates the mixing and cutting of fat into flour, is defined. This process typically involves using tools like a pastry blender, knives, or one’s fingers to combine ingredients like flour, fat (usually butter or shortening), salt, and water until a dough forms.
This preparation method offers several advantages, including greater control over the texture of the dough, which can be particularly beneficial for achieving a flaky crust. It connects home bakers to traditional methods, providing a more tactile and involved baking experience. Historically, this was the primary way pie crusts were made before the advent of modern kitchen appliances, and the practice continues to be valued for its simplicity and accessibility.
