On Wed 07 Sep 2005 06:18:35p, Myraide wrote in rec.food.cooking:

> hi, just read the thread here about *pie crust help*. wish i had read
> it two days ago!
>
> i attempted to make the dough, and used two cubes of organic butter and
> four oz of organic coconut butter from a jar, it is solid at room temp.
>
>
> but i didnt realize everything had to be COLD so i had the butter and
> coconut butter at room temp and mixed by hand into three cups flour.
> needless to say, it was a gooey mess, so i added another cup of flour,
> and left out the water, and then refrigerated it but it is not workable
> it is like a rock.
>
> can it be salvaged or toss and start again? it has been in the fridge
> since last night. myraide

Honestly? I would toss it and start over with both butters being cold.
Successful pie dough is dependent on tiny particles of butter or shortening
remaining rather solid and being completely coated with the flour mixture.
Water is added to make a cohesive mixture and to create a bit of steam
while baking. It is the layers of the flour coated particles that form the
flakes in the baked crust, along with the small amount of steam.

What you have actually created, using softened butters, is a paste with no
recognizable particles. I can't imagine that you'd ever end up with flakes
in the finished pastry. More likely, it will be greasy and tough.

Of course, you have nothing to lose by allowing it to warm up enough so
that it can be rolled out. Bake it and see what you get, but don't be
surprised if it's not very good. I know of no way to salvage it.

FWIW, when I make pie pastry I chill everything including the bowl, flour
mixture, and implements. Most important, I make ice water using ice cubes,
so that the water is as cold as possible. When the pastry is complete, I
form it into one or more flattened disks and refrigerate for about half an
hour or longer before rolling it out. Note: If you chill the dough too
long, you will need to let it warm up a bit before rolling it.

HTH


--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
____________________________________________

My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four,
unless there are three other people.