Page 468 - Pie Squared

RESOURCES

EQUIPMENT

Slab Pie Pans, also known as quarter sheet pans, are baking sheets

that are 9 by 13 inches and only about 1 inch deep. They are widely
available at places like Sur La Table, Bed Bath & Beyond, World
Market, and any restaurant supply store, as well as online. I am
partial to the ones that come with a snap-on plastic cover. I have a

few with a pebbled or ridged surface which seems to make lifting the
slices out of the pan even easier.

Using a scale will help you make pies that are consistently delicious.

I’m fond of the OXO scale because it offers a flat base on which to
place the food processor bowl, the numbers are large enough to
read easily, and backlit. You’ll find this and other scales available at
Bed Bath & Beyond, Sur La Table, and Williams-Sonoma. I promise

you will see results in your baking as well as fewer dishes to wash!

I don’t use my food processor all the time, but I do use it every time
for pastry. Nothing cuts in butter faster and more consistently than

the food processor. I’ve used an 11-cup model from Cuisinart for
years. It’s a dependable kitchen workhorse and worth the
investment. Food processors can be found at all department store
kitchen departments, Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath &

Beyond, Target, Walmart, and Costco. A big motor and a big
workbowl are nice to have. Replacement workbowls, lids, and blades
are available from the manufacturer or from websites like
kitchenworksinc.com.

I resisted the call of the Vitamix heavy-duty blender for a while, but
I’m very glad I gave in. It’s a useful machine, sturdy and strong.