We make many pies here at Beaucoup Bites so I found this great article posted on the Paula Deen website explaining how to change up your pie crust detail!
Six Decorative Pie Edge Techniques
By The Paula Deen Test Kitchen How To: Six Decorative Pie Shell Edges to Inspire
Put your forks away! Instead of the usual “pressing of the tines” ritual around the perimeter of your holiday pies, let these six suggestions be your inspiration and get your creativity flowing. The possibilities and pies are endless.
Braid: Brush rim of single-crust pie shell with water. Cut 3 long strips of extra pie dough 1/4” wide. Braid strips together and apply to the moistened rim.
Checkerboard: Using kitchen shears to cut across the rim of a pie shell at 1/2” intervals. Alternately fold every other piece toward the center.
Cutouts: Brush rim of double-crust pie shell with water. Cut out the rolled top sheet of pie dough with tiny pastry cutters (or free hand). Apply the cutouts to the moistened rim in an overlapping pattern, gently pressing to stick.
Point: Position your index finger on the inside of the pie shell rim, pointing out. Using the index finger and thumb of the other hand, press the dough into pronounced points that go outward. Once you have made your points all the way around the outside of the pie, go around again pressing the inside into pronounced points.
Scallop: Place the index finger of one hand on the edge of the pie shell rim pointing in. Using the index finger and thumb of the other hand to move the dough inward forming a scalloped roll around the perimeter.
Spoon Pressing: Press the rounded tip of a spoon along the perimeter of the pie shell rim. Move the spoon down and repeat using a smaller rounded tip.
Paula’s note: To give yourself the best rim to work with, cut your pie shell with kitchen shears so it hangs evenly 1” past the outer edge of the pan. Fold the edge of the dough under itself so it is even with the outside of the pan to form a thick raised rim. Once you have formed the decorative edge like those we suggested, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking and filling. At this point, you can place your pie shells in a heavy zip top freezer bag and freeze for up to two months.
Ingredients Add to grocery list Oil, for frying 2 cans large buttermilk biscuits 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling 1/4 cup sugar, plus more for dusting 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon plus more for dusting Flour, for rolling Whipped cream, for garnish, optional Confectioners’ sugar, for garnish, optional Directions Pour the oil into a large cast iron skillet about 1/2-inch up the sides and heat to about 350 degrees F. Remove biscuits from cans, flour them and roll each 1 out to a 5-inch round. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of fruit filling on a round leaving a 1/2-inch edge all around. Place another rolled out round on top of the filling, pressing around the edges to seal. You should dip your fingers in water and wipe around the edge of the bottom biscuit to enable it to stick to the top biscuit. Dip end of dinner fork in flour and press continuously around edge to insure a proper seal. Repeat with remaining biscuits. Makes 8 or 10 pies depending on the amount in your biscuit can. Place 3 or 4 of the pies in the preheated cast iron skillet. Fry for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar while still hot. Serve with whipped cream and confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
