subject: Ceramic Pie Plates and Their Benefits [print this page] Ceramic Pie Plates and Their Benefits Ceramic Pie Plates and Their Benefits
Many cooks consider ceramic pie plates the most attractive of all plates. As they come in a variety of colors and are often designed with delicate engraving and fluting, they are more likely to be used when hosting a party and are happy for guests to see your tableware. They also have qualities that help with the baking of the pie. Even if the cooking of pies takes slightly longer, you should not worry because the outcome will be marvelous.
The ceramic plate will have all the normal attributes of all other pieplates. This is mainly the sloped edge that allows the filling to settle in the body of the pie. Some are deeper than others are and depending on the filling is it best to check that the plate is deep enough. Due to the shape, the top of the plate will be wider than the bottom. In addition, when following a recipe it is the measurement at the top that is adhered to.
An advantage with using ceramic pie plates is the fluted edge that they all have. This means that you can make a nice design around the rim of a single crust pie, or if making a double crust one, both layers will meet at the rim and can be easily joined.
Some ceramic plates have lids that will keep the pie warm and keep flies off the pie after you have taken what you want out of the dish. As ceramic is another way of saying heavy pottery, a combination of the pie dish the pie itself and a lid may make it heavy to carry around so be careful when lifting it. The price for a good one can reach $60 but it is a nice thing to use throughout your lifetime, but can also make future generations feel close to you if they inherit it.
One downside is not being able to see any of the pie other than the top crust. If it is burnt or not properly cooked that will not be known until the pie is served. They are known to crack and if this does happen the ceramic pie plate should not be used anymore. There is not just the risk of the dish falling apart completely this can be more serious if you have just removed a hot pie from the oven but germs could lodge there and get into the next pastry you make.
For same reason it seems that although the top crust of a pastry crisps up very well, the bottom does not fare as well. Although it will still taste nice, there will not be same texture as the top and it may appear to be undercooked. If you are spending a lot of time cooking for guests now, you do not want this to continue happening. If this is important to you, it may be best to make pies without a bottom crust if you are using ceramic pie plates. These are extremely easy to use.
