Buttermilk Pie

Instructions:

Pie Crust:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
   • Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
2. Cut in Butter:
   • Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water:
   • Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
   • Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Roll Out Crust:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
   • Transfer the rolled-out crust to the pie dish, trim the excess, and crimp the edges.
5. Blind Bake:
   • Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
   • Bake the crust for about 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is golden. Set aside.

Buttermilk Pie Filling:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Sugar and Butter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and melted butter until well combined.
3. Add Eggs:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
   • Sift in the flour and salt, then mix until smooth.
5. Add Buttermilk and Flavorings:
   • Pour in the buttermilk and mix well.
   • Add vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
6. Pour Into Crust:
   • Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
7. Bake:
   • Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.
   • Serve slices of buttermilk pie on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips:

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little nutmeg or cinnamon on top before baking.
• Make sure the pie crust is well-chilled before blind baking to prevent shrinking.

Enjoy your delicious Buttermilk Pie!