Avoiding Soggy Pie Bases

[catsrcool]

I want to make some individual steak & ale pies with shortcrust bases and puff tops. I have seen a method where the bases are pre baked and then cooled before the filling and top are added. Any tips or experience to pass on ? Will the puff tops glued on with beaten egg stick/stay on?

[MadMen]

You use baking beans and baking paper and yes it will stick.

No one likes a soggy bottom.

[Sharingan]

Yes Catsrool, If you blind them they won't be soggy, it works very well.xx

[Barmaid]

Do as Madmen says, line the base with baking paper and then add baking beans (prick the base first). If you don't have baking beans use dried peas or beans, you can even use copper coins.

Take the bases out of the oven, remove the baking paper and the weights, paint with with egg wash and stick back in for a few mins.

[catsrcool]

Thanks all

[woofgang]

Do it the idle way. cook the filling separately,you can freeze it at this point then bake rounds of pastry in the oven when you want to serve. Serve by putting a helping of filling on the plate, then topping with a round of pastry. No base pastry so a healthier option.

[catsrcool]

Thanks but they have to be transportable.

[woofgang]

even easier, one big pot of filling and a cake tin of pastry rounds interleaved with baking parchment or kitchen roll, heat when you get there

[catsrcool]

No can do I am not travelling with them they have to be completely made.