Preparation time: 15 minutes
Yield: a 9- or 10-inch crust
Click here for a PRINTER-FRIENDLY version of this recipe.
These pie crusts are designed for savory fillings. These can all be patted into the pan with a fork or fingers, and don't require rolling.
6 Tbs. cold butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups flour (can be up to 1/4 whole wheat)
about 4 Tbs. cold water, milk, or buttermilk
extra flour for rolling the dough
- Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or a food processor to cut togheter the butter and flour until they make a uniform mixture resembling coarse cornmeal. (The food processor will accomplish this in a few short bursts.)
- As you stir with a fork (or as the food processor briefly runs) add the liquid, a little at a time, until the dough holds together. The varying humidity will affect the amount of liquid needed.
- You can now wrap the dough and chill it to toll out later, or you can roll it immediately, using extra flour, as needed, to prevent sticking. Transfer carefully to a 9- or 10-inch ie pan, and form a crust with an edge. If not filling and baking soon, refrigerate until use.
NUT CRUST 
6 Tbs. cold butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/4 cups flour (use mostly white with a little whole wheat)
1/2 cup finely minced* nuts-of-your-choice
1/4 tsp. salt
about 4 Tbs. cold water, milk, or buttermilk
Follow the instructions for Basic Pie Crust. Add the nuts and salt in Step 1, and proceed exactly the same.
* "Finely minced" means just this side of bround. Use a blender or food processor in short bursts. (Go lightly, so you don't end up with nut butter.)
CHEESE CRUST
6 Tbs. cold butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups flour (can be up to 1/4 whole wheat)
1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar
1/4 tsp. salt
about 3 or 4 Tbs. cold water
Follow the instructions for Basic Pie Crust. Stir in the cheese before adding the liquid in Step 2, and proceed exactly the same with everything else.
POPPY SEED-CHEESE CRUST
Make the cheese Crust (above) and add 2 Tbs. poppy seeds when you add the cheese.
Other additions along these lines:- Other kinds of hard cheese, grated
- Sesame seeds instead of poppy
- Caraway or cumin seeds instead of poppy
- A combination of some or all of the above-mentioned seeds