An Introduction To Whole Wheat Pie Crusts

If you're one of many people that like 'healthy' or nutritional foods, you might have tried making pie crusts with whole wheat pastry flour. It's a tricky and often frustrating endeavor if you substitute whole wheat pastry in a white flour recipe without making adjustments. The two are, in fact, quite different.

I have spoiled many pie crusts - and afternoons - with this mistake and I hope, by sharing this recipe, I save some the frustration and disappointment. I will note, Whole Wheat pie crusts aren't going to be as flaky and as perfect as you expect from a white flour crust, but they will be much tastier and nutritional.

Don't be deceived, this isn't any easier to make than a white flour crust. Making any pie crust attractive takes alot of practice, but I hope I don't discourage you. I'm daring you all that haven't tried them! I promise, once you get the hang of it, it's very rewarding. And even if it doesn't look as good as you like, don't fret, it will taste fine!

So, go! Get out your apron, fetch your chef's hat, grab your rolling pin, and lets bake!

Step 1 Step One: The Ingredients

2 cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1 tsp. Salt
1/2 cup Lard
6 Tbsp of Cold water.


The flour in this recipe is fresh ground in our home. We buy the wheat berries in bulk (called Soft Wheat) and grind the flour when needed. The fresher it is ground, the better.

Please don't try substituting lard with butter. Butter is much harder than lard and it could have disastrous effects on your crust.

Note: This recipe makes 2 (that's two) single 9 inch crusts or one 9 inch crust with top crust (ex: grape or apple pie).

Comments

[denaetak]

I love this idea but when I went to the store to find the whole wheat pastry flour...all I could find was whole wheat flour. Is their a difference and if so where would I get the "Pastry" whole wheat flour? Thanks Denae :)

[crazyaboutbeads]

As Dee Ami said, there is a difference. It is very hard to find it at stores. We buy wheat berries in bulk from Wheat Montana and grind it ourselves. I recommend Bob's Red Mill pastry flour. Thanks, Dee Ami!
-crazyaboutbeads

[Dee Ami]

Thank you for this tutorial.  With the holidays looming I am looking at ways to have healthier options. 

I had to order whole wheat pastry from Amazon. It is not available in any store within 60 miles of my home.
http://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Red-Mill-Whole-Pastry/dp/B0019GZ892/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1318647545&sr=8-2

To answer your question, yes there is a difference.