What To Use If You Don't Have Pie Weights I Tasting Table

Here are some household items you can use for all your blind-baking needs

Whether you're putting end-of-summer fruit to good use, gearing up for Thanksgiving or shining the (Key) limelight on Florida's favorite pie, it's always a good time to bake. And now that you've mastered a piecrust recipe and started experimenting with your own fillings, you can go ahead and call yourself a pie baker.

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And, as every pie baker knows, there are times when you will need to blind-bake—cooking the crust first before adding the filling—as well as times when you won't (see here if you need a refresher). But if you don't have pie weights hanging around your kitchen (we don't blame you), there are a number of alternatives to use instead.

If you're blind-baking and don't have pie weights, try using:

① Dried beans: Set parchment paper or foil on top of the dough, then fill 'er up with dried beans.

② Rice kernels: Use parchment paper or foil here, too, plus rice.

③ Loose change: Be sure to use foil for this one to protect the crust from the weight of the coins and any possible metallic taste.

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After all, knowing how to improvise in the kitchen is the mark of any good cook.

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