classic essentials: buttery graham cracker crust

How To Make classic essentials: buttery graham cracker crust

• 
  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
• 
  Step 2
  This recipe makes a crust that fits a 9-inch pie plate or a springform pan.
• 
  Step 3
  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
• 
  Step 4
  Place a rack in the lower position and preheat the oven to 350 F/175 C.
• 
  Step 5
  Add the graham crackers to a food processor fitted with an S-blade, and blend until they resemble sand.
• 
  Step 6
  It is important to finely grind the crackers and not leave any chunks. The fine grind helps to keep the crust together.
• 
  Step 7
  Add the crackers to a bowl, and mix in the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• 
  Step 8
  Add the butter and vanilla.
• 
  Step 9
  Combine until the mixture looks and feels like wet sand.
• 
  Step 10
  Firmly tamp down in an oiled pie plate or springform pan, and run some of it up the sides. I like to use butter, as opposed to oil, because it adds flavor and helps to brown the crust.
• 
  Step 11
  Prebake in the oven for 8 – 10 minutes, or until the crust begins to turn a golden brown.
• 
  Step 12
  Allow to completely cool before adding a filling. If you are doing a fruit filling, you will not need to further bake; just make sure the fruit is drained so you do not wind up with a soggy crust. If you are doing a cheesecake or other baked fruit pie, follow the directions for your particular recipe.
• 
  Step 13
  PLATE/PRESENT
• 
  Step 14
  Serve up warm or cool, depending on the recipe. Enjoy.
• 
  Step 15
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
• 
  Step 16
  Namaste’
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!