The flaky, buttery pie crust is a cornerstone of American home cooking, tracing back to colonial times when settlers adapted European pastry techniques using locally available butter and lard. Over centuries it became the base for iconic desserts like apple pie and savory dishes such as chicken pot pie.

In the Southern U.S., many pies use a higher proportion of shortening or lard for extra tenderness, while New England bakers often favor all‑butter crusts for a richer flavor. Some Midwestern recipes incorporate a splash of milk for a softer texture.

During holidays like Thanksgiving and Fourth of July, a homemade crust is rolled thin, filled with seasonal fruit or pumpkin, and baked until golden. It is often brushed with an egg wash for shine and may be decorated with lattice strips.

Pies made with this crust are staples at family gatherings, holiday feasts, potlucks, and backyard barbecues, symbolizing comfort and home‑cooked tradition.

This crust is made entirely by hand, allowing control over butter‑to‑shortening ratio, resulting in a flakier texture and fresher flavor than many pre‑made, often hydrogenated, store‑bought versions.

Common errors include using warm butter, over‑mixing the dough, adding too much water, and skipping the chilling step. Each of these can lead to a tough or greasy crust instead of a flaky one.

Butter provides flavor, while shortening adds extra flakiness because it has a higher melting point and creates distinct layers when baked. The combination balances taste and texture.

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to two days in advance, wrapped tightly in plastic and refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped disc for up to a month and thaw in the fridge before rolling.

The dough should hold together when pressed, feeling slightly crumbly but not dry. It should form a smooth disc without wet spots; if it feels too dry, add a few more drops of ice water.

The YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN focuses on simple, hands‑on home cooking tutorials that emphasize technique over gadgets, often showing how to make classic dishes with minimal equipment.

COOKING WITH SHEREEN prioritizes ingredient accessibility and step‑by‑step explanations, encouraging viewers to skip expensive tools like food processors while still achieving professional‑grade results, unlike many channels that rely heavily on specialized equipment.