Sometimes the first piece of pie can turn into a disappointment.
Dry, crumbly, and the flavor seems to have been lost somewhere in the oven. Guests nod politely, and you mentally promise yourself not to take up baking again.
Stop! The problem is not in your hands, but in small mistakes that are easy to fix.
Four tricks will turn failure into triumph.
The first reason for dryness is flour. Add a spoonful of sour cream or kefir to the dough.
This will keep the moisture inside, and the pie will be tender, not hard. The fat content of the product will only enhance the effect.
The second trick concerns the contents. If the filling is made of fruits or berries, mix them with starch.
It will absorb the juice, not let it leak out, and the crust will remain soft. A drop of broth added before baking works with the meat.
The third point is related to the oven. Do not put the pie on high heat right away.
Start at 160 degrees for the first 15 minutes, then increase to 180. This way the dough will bake evenly without drying out on the outside.
Step 4 after baking: Brush the hot pie with a knob of butter or cover with a damp towel for five minutes.
This will lock in the moisture and make the crust melt in your mouth.
These techniques will not complicate the process, but they will change the result.
Try it at your next dinner party and pies will become your trump card. Guests will ask for more, and you will understand that baking is easier than it seems.