Why is vodka used in pie crust?

Why is vodka used in pie crust?

“The use of vodka enables the addition of more liquid in a form that does not develop gluten, which otherwise would make the pie crust tougher,” says Guy Crosby, certified Food Scientist, former science editor at America’s Test Kitchen, and author of “The Science of Good Cooking” and “Cook’s Science.” “The alcohol in …

Can you substitute vodka for water in pie dough?

Vodka is essential to the texture of the crust and imparts no flavor — do not substitute. This dough, which was developed by a test-kitchen team led by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt for “America’s Test Kitchen,” will be moister and more supple than most standard pie doughs and will require more flour to roll out (up to 1/4 cup).

How much vodka goes in a pie crust?

Drizzle 1/2 of the water and 1/2 of the vodka onto the butter/flour mixture. Pulse 2 to 4 times to combine. Test the dough with a squeeze and add more water or vodka as needed.

How do you make a pie crust more moist?

Cold butter is a key to pie dough success. It should be straight-out-of-the-fridge-cold. Cut it into ½” pieces then put it back in the fridge in a single layer while you get the rest of your ingredients together.

What makes a homemade pie crust tough?

Your crust is too tough. If your pie crust is tough instead of tender and flaky, you probably either overworked the dough or added too much water to it. There’s not much to do in this situation but plate up a slice and throw on a scoop of ice cream. Don’t sweat it: You’ll do better next time.

What does adding alcohol to dough do?

Baking with booze—such as bourbon, rum, port and vodka—can add additional flavor, texture and even change the consistency of many baked goods. Take pie dough for example, adding a splash of vodka produces a super flakey dough and develops less gluten in the dough than water. For tarts and shortbread dough—same thing!

Why did my pie crust turn out hard?

What can I substitute for vodka in pie crust?

Replacing Vodka in this Pie Crust Recipe The answer is vinegar! It will evaporate the same way that vodka does in this recipe. If you do that, I would use a high quality vinegar to ensure you don’t taste any in your pie.

Can I use gin instead of vodka in pie crust?

Since vodka contains 40% alcohol, it can hydrate the dough without making it tough. Other spirits also work like whiskey for a chocolate pie or gin for a blueberry pie.

What does vinegar do to a pie crust?

Adding vinegar helps to tenderize the crust and also inhibits gluten development, keeping your dough soft. You need just a bit of this and don’t worry…you won’t taste it once the pie is baked.

What does an egg do for pie crust?

Egg: This makes the dough more pliable and easy to roll out. Eggs also make the crust more compact. Acid and Alcohol: Both acid and alcohol tenderize pie dough, make it easier to roll out, and prevent it from shrinking in your pan.