How to make an easy lattice pie crust

We've already shown you how to make perfect and simple basic shortcrust pastry for the ultimate pie crust. Now we're tackling the cosiest of pastry projects... the lattice pie crust.

Once you've mastered the perfect pie, the final piece of joy is all in the details and the finishing touches.

Watch the tutorial video above for step-by-step instructions for achieving that satisfyingly woven pastry effect. And once you see how it's done, you'll be thinking of all the fillings to try your hand at it... apple, berry, sticky date and pecan. You name it, it's all delicious, but it's all even better under a decorative top.

How to make a lattice pie crust

What you'll need:

• rolling pin
• a sharp knife

Ingredients:

• 1 portion of shortcrust pastry
• pastry-lined pie pan with a filling of your choice
• egg wash, to finish

Method:

1. Roll short crust pastry out to a rough circle just bigger than your pie pan. 
2. Using a sharp knife, cut into 2cm thick strips.
3. Lay some of the strips horizontally over the pie, using the longer strips in the middle of the pie and shorter strips toward the edges.
4. Begin lattice formation by folding every second strip back on itself.
5. Lay one of the remaining strips of pie crust vertically over the pie so that it lays across the unfolded horizontal strips.
6. Unfold the folded horizontal strips and fold the strips running under the vertical strip back over top.
7. Lay another vertical strip over the pie, close to the other vertical strip.
8. Swap the folded and unfolded horizontal strips again.
9. Continue swapping the folded and unfolded horizontal strips and adding one new vertical strip each time. Continue until one half of the pie is completely latticed.
10. Repeat on other side of pie. 
11. Crimp the edges, egg wash the top of your lattice and bake pie until the pastry top is a golden brown.

Got a cooking itch? Check out more 9Honey tutorials, including the perfect meringue trick, how to make fluffy rice and how to get your salmon skin crisp.

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