Reusable pie chain weights or baking beans are tools used in baking to prevent a pie crust from puffing up or shrinking during the baking process. They are typically small ceramic or metal beads or pellets that are placed on top of the crust before blind baking.
When baking a pie, blind baking refers to baking the crust without any filling. This is done to ensure that the crust bakes evenly and holds its shape. However, without some kind of weight, the crust may bubble up or shrink during the process.
Reusable pie chain weights or baking beans serve as the weight needed to keep the crust in place. They are placed on top of the crust, keeping it flat while allowing heat to penetrate and cook the crust.
These weights offer several benefits. Firstly, they distribute heat evenly across the crust, preventing it from bubbling up or shrinking in certain areas. Secondly, they help keep the crust in shape without the need for constant monitoring or pressing the crust down manually. This allows for a more hands-off approach during blind baking.
One of the key advantages of reusable pie chain weights or baking beans is their reusable nature. After use, they can be easily removed from the crust and stored for future baking. They can be washed or wiped clean and reused countless times, making them a long-lasting and economical choice.
To use reusable pie chain weights or baking beans, simply spread them evenly across the crust, ensuring that they cover the entire surface. After the crust has been blind baked, they can be easily removed by lifting them off or pouring them out of the pie.
