Blind baking is one of those culinary techniques that can really elevate your baking game, especially when it comes to making pies and tarts. Many people wonder about the tools they can use during this process, and one question that pops up often is: Can You Use Coins To Blind Bake? Let’s dive into this idea and see if coins are actually a suitable substitute for traditional baking weights.
What is Blind Baking?
Blind baking is the process of pre-baking a pie or tart crust before adding the filling. This technique ensures that the crust will be crispy and delicious, rather than soggy from the moisture of the filling. When blind baking, it’s common to use weights to hold the crust in place while it bakes. This is where the curiosity about using coins comes into play. Coins, being small and heavy, might seem like a clever option, but are they really a good choice?
Should You Use Coins?
While it’s true that coins can provide the weight needed to hold down pie crusts, I personally wouldn’t recommend it. The main concern here is hygiene. Coins can harbor bacteria and dirt, which is definitely not ideal for food preparation. Also, different coins are made from different materials, and some of those materials can react unfavorably to heat. This reaction could potentially affect the flavors of your baked goods. Instead, I recommend using specialized baking weights, dried beans, or even rice, which are safer and specifically designed for this purpose.
Step-by-Step Guide to Blind Baking
If you’re looking to blind bake your crust using the proper method, here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you:
- Prepare your dough: Roll out your pie or tart crust and fit it into your tart pan or pie dish.
- Chill the crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage.
- Preheat your oven: Set it to about 375°F (190°C).
- Line the crust: Use parchment paper to line the top of your crust. This will protect it from direct heat.
- Add weights: Place baking weights, dried beans, or rice inside the parchment paper.
- Bake: Put the crust in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges start to lightly brown.
- Remove the weights: Carefully take out the weights and the parchment paper, then return the crust to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to finish baking.
Easy, right? This method ensures that your crust will hold its shape and provide a sturdy base for your delectable filling!
Alternatives to Coins
As I mentioned earlier, coins may not be the best choice for blind baking, so let’s explore some great alternatives! If you don’t have baking weights on hand, dried beans are a fantastic option. They are not only heavy but also reusable—just store them in a jar after use and keep them for future baking sessions. Another good option is uncooked rice; it can also be used for the same purpose. Lastly, if you’re in a pinch, you can simply fill the crust with sugar, which will create a barrier and add a slight sweetness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it might be tempting to save a few bucks by using coins for blind baking, it’s really not worth the risk. The potential for contamination and uneven heating makes them less than ideal. Instead, opt for tools that are specifically designed for this purpose, and you’ll save yourself from worrying about food safety. Remember, a well-baked crust is essential for any pie or tart, so treat your pastry well!
FAQs
What are the best weights to use for blind baking?
The best weights to use are ceramic baking beans, dried beans, or uncooked rice, as they provide even weight distribution without the hygiene concerns related to coins.Can I reuse the dried beans after blind baking?
Yes, you can reuse dried beans for baking! Just store them in a jar and keep them separate from your cooking beans for future baking uses.- How can I prevent my pie crust from shrinking?
To prevent shrinking, make sure to chill your crust before baking, and handle it as little as possible to avoid developing the gluten in the dough.