how do pie birds work

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From this site I found that there are two major benefits to using a pie bird

  • Allow the steam produced during the cooking of the fruit filling or other ingredients to escape from the pie to avoid the pie boiling over in the oven.
  • To prevent the pie’s pastry crust from sagging in the middle, support it in the center.

It appears from the website that they can be added to any kind of pie.

I should also add that, although you could probably use it with any kind of closed pie, when baking a pâté in a crust, you have to use one (or make your own steam vent). It will not only allow the steam to escape, but you also need the large hole to pour the cooling gelatine mixture into it once it hasn’t set.

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What to do if you don’t have a pie bird

If you don’t have a pie bird, you can still accomplish the same thing with other materials. A cinnamon stick, a piece of cardboard straw, anything that is heat resistant will work! You can also purchase a pie crust vent, which serves the same purpose as a pie bird but is obviously not as attractive.

We hope that this post has clarified what a pie bird is, explained how to use it, and encouraged you to try some new, healthful recipes using Spanish extra virgin olive oil!

FAQ

What can I use instead of a pie bird?

An alternative to using a pie funnel is to cut a steam hole in the centre of the pastry lid, before baking, with a sharp knife or a pair of kitchen scissors.

What is the purpose of the pie bird in Le Creuset?

The hollow pie bird vents steam from the filling as it cooks, preventing the contents from boiling over, while arches on the bottom redirect excess moisture to keep the bottom crust from becoming soggy.