Just realized my grandma's pie crust recipe is better than any I've tried

For years I thought her 'secret' was just nostalgia, but last week I made it side by side with a fancy one from a cookbook. Hers uses cold lard from a butcher in Toledo and a splash of vinegar, which I always skipped. The difference was huge, hers was flaky and held shape perfectly. Anyone have a family recipe where one weird ingredient actually matters?

2 comments

2 Comments

marywells9d ago

My mom's biscuit recipe needs a half cup of cold club soda.

sandra6939d ago

That vinegar in pie crust is a game changer... it stops the gluten from getting tough. My aunt's recipe uses a full tablespoon of white vinegar for every two cups of flour. The crust stays tender even if you overwork it a little.