Pie weights are small weights used for blind baking to prevent the crust from ballooning. They can be made of various materials and are easy to clean. They are removed before adding the filling.
Pie weights are sets of small weights that are designed to be inserted into a pie crust for blind baking. Blind baking is a commonly used technique where the bottom crust of a pie is partially cooked before the filling is added, ensuring it cooks through completely and remains crispy. In addition to these weights, which are available at many kitchen supply stores, cooks can also use things like beans or rice to hold down their pie crusts during blind cooking.
If a pie crust isn’t weighed for blind baking, it can balloon and develop air pockets. Placing some type of weight inside ensures that the crust stays smooth and even during the pre-bake process, although some cooks choose not to weight down their pie crusts, for various reasons. Typically, the crust is removed from the oven when it begins to turn golden, though for a pre-cooked filling such as custard, the crust would obviously be cooked all the way through during the blind-bake stage.
A number of different designs can be used for cake weights. One of the simplest is just a chain or set of beads strung together. The advantage of hanging weights is that they are easy to handle and wash and won’t get lost in a kitchen drawer somewhere. Ceramic balls, polished river stones, or metal balls may also be used, in which case they typically come with a container for storage so you don’t lose them.
To use pie weights, cooks prepare the crust as directed, pressing it into the pie pan, piercing it several times for ventilation, then arranging the weights inside, being careful to distribute the weight evenly. Some cooks like to place them on a coffee filter or piece of parchment paper so they don’t make imprints in the crust. So, the cake is pre-baked, the weights are removed and the filling is poured or spoon.
Weights are easiest to clean by dropping them into a dish of warm soapy water, allowing them to soak briefly, and then rinsing them off. Some can be run through the dishwasher, in which case they need to be washed in a silverware cage to make sure they don’t come loose and damage the dishwasher or other items being washed. After rinsing, the weights can be spread out on a towel to dry before storing.
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