Making pies?

gargoyle

I have just done my meal plan for this week and it included pie. I would love to make pies but not sure what to do. I know it sounds stupid but what kind of pastry does everyone use? Also do you have to bake the pie shell first and then add your filling? One last question, can I use those foil pie dishes for making my own pies or are they really only good as a student's ashtray?

HappyIdiotTalk

gargoyle wrote: »

I have just done my meal plan for this week and it included pie. I would love to make pies but not sure what to do. I know it sounds stupid but what kind of pastry does everyone use? Also do you have to bake the pie shell first and then add your filling? One last question, can I use those foil pie dishes for making my own pies or are they really only good as a student's ashtray?

I was out and about yesterday and came across a second hand book stall. I had a look for a pie making book, but all they had was cake making and decorating books... So I shall keep an eye on this thread!

DawnW

There are a number of ways you can make a pie. You can make your own pastry, or buy ready made at the supermarket. Shortcrust pastry is easy to make - 2 parts flour (any sort works for me except bread flour), 1 part fat (margarine is easiest, but not the low fat kind, something like stork or the own brand equivalent), rub in with fingers or use a processor, bind together with water, then roll out on a floured surface, line pie dish with pastry (reusing foil ones is fine), add filling (usually already cooked, but depends on what the filling is to be, some fruit is OK to use raw), add pastry top, cut a hole in the top to let the steam out, bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees for about 25 -30mins (but keep an eye on it) till nicely brown.

Or you can use bought pastry. You can have a bottom and top crust as above, or top crust only and the filling underneath (nice if you use puff or flaky pastry). The pack will have full instructions on cooking etc, and probably a recipe as well.
What sort of pie do you want to make? Can give more detailed instructions if you are more specific (made lots of pies yesterday, they freeze really well!)
Good luck,
Dawn

gargoyle

was looking into steak or chicken or even minced beef.

DawnW

then you will need to pre-cook your filling. If using raw meat, cut up the meat, brown in a little oil, with onions, mushrooms or whatever veg you want to use, add stock (from a cube is fine), then cook until meat is done, time will depend on what kind of meat, and the size of the pieces, slowly on top of stove or in oven or slow cooker. Stewed beef will take longest, and is best done in oven or slow cooker, mince and chicken not so long. Then thicken the stock with gravy granules or cornflour or whatever you generally use, season to taste and you have pie filling. Allow to cool a bit before using. Leftover already cooked meat makes great pies as well. Leftover roast chicken and lightly fried mushrooms can be stirred into a white sauce instead of gravy (yum). Leftover beef casserole also makes a good pie filling. In any case, you can add whatever veg you like to make your meat go further. You will no doubt think up your own variations as you get more adventurous.

gargoyle

Can I freeze these once they are cooked or do I freeze them beforehand?

DawnW

I always freeze them after cooking, but I can see no reason why you can't freeze them uncooked.