Old-fashioned CUSTARD PIE

Instructions:

Making the crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit a pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges decoratively. Prick the bottom with a fork.

Making the custard filling:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while continuously whisking to prevent the eggs from curdling.
4. Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
5. Pour the custard into the prepared pie crust.
6. Sprinkle the top of the custard with ground nutmeg.

Baking the pie:

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the custard is set and the crust is golden brown.
2. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your delightful custard pie—perfect for any occasion or simply as a sweet treat to savor!