Colored Pie Crust Flowers & other decorations

Step 1

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SPRING TIME FLOWER PIE:Make your pie and put top crust on... then place it in the fridge while you make the decorations.

Step 2

Using left over dough scraps from your pie -- separate into 4 lumps. Add a few drops of food coloring to each lump and thoroughly combine -- May need to add a little more flour to regain dough consistency (still need to not overwork -- the longer it is "worked" the more it needs to rest in the fridge or freezer)

Step 3

Wrap all 4 lumps in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 10 minutes -- then move to fridge and pull out individual colors as needed.

Step 4

Pulling out one color at a time, roll out crusts (flour the bottom rolling surface, cover the top with plastic wrap and roll gently -- this prevents white flour from changing the color of the dough on top and it won't stick to your rolling pin)

Step 5

Using cookie cutters, stencils, or free-hand with a knife -- cut out individual flower petals, centers, and leaves (see photo)(They don't have to be perfect!!)

Step 6

Cut slim "flower stems" into top crust of pie for venting and decorating

Step 7

Arrange flowers and leaves around the stem openings on the top pie crust. A drop of water on each piece should make them stick. If necessary, a tiny drop on the crust may help, too.

Step 8

After they are on the pie, using the back of a knife (the dull edge), score the petals and leaves for added depth (see photo)

Step 9

Refrigerate pie for 30 minutes if necessary

Step 10

Bake as usual.

Step 11

For full directions with pictures see: http://www.familyfeedbag.com/2011/04/springtime-apple-pie.html