(Something's screwy with Google, and I can't answer a specific message
in this thread) - In answer to the question about getting the crumb
crust in the pie plate with an even thickness: I put the mixture in
the pie plate and then spread it around/press it down as best I can -
then use another pie plate the same size, and press it into the crumb
layer - give it a little swirl or jog or two, while pressing down, and
the crust gets very even and smooth.

N.