What do you use to weight the pie crust down while baking?

There are a few common methods to weight down a pie crust while baking:

1. Pie Weights: These are specifically designed for this purpose. They are typically made of ceramic or metal and come in various shapes and sizes.

2. Dry Beans or Rice: These are readily available and inexpensive. Simply fill a bowl or pie pan with the dry beans or rice and place it on top of the pie crust. Make sure the weight is evenly distributed across the crust.

3. Dried Peas: Similar to beans and rice, dried peas can also be used as pie weights.

4. Ceramic Tiles: If you have some extra ceramic tiles lying around, they can also be used to weigh down the crust. Just make sure they are clean and dry.

5. Baking Beans: These are ceramic or metal beans specifically designed for baking. They're similar to pie weights but can be used in different ways, such as adding a decorative element to the finished pie.

Important Note: No matter which method you choose, be sure to avoid using raw ingredients like uncooked beans or rice. These can get soggy and stick to the crust during baking, making cleanup difficult.

Tips:

* Use enough weight: Make sure the weight is heavy enough to prevent the crust from puffing up and creating air pockets.

* Distribute evenly: Ensure the weight is evenly distributed across the entire crust to prevent uneven baking.

* Remove weight before baking: Remove the weight before baking, as it can make the crust too soggy.

* Blind bake: Most recipes recommend blind baking the crust first, which means baking it with the weight on top to prevent it from shrinking.

Choosing the right method depends on your preference and what's available to you. Regardless of your choice, remember to weigh down the crust properly for a perfectly baked and beautiful pie!