A pie is a quantity of meat or fruit baked in a shallow dish and covered with a layer of paste. There may be a layer of the paste under the meat or fruit as well as on the top.

The famous tarts of England are usually baked in a deep dish with a rich crust on top; they are noted for the variety they make, with filling of every kind of fruit, fish and flesh. The crusts, most of them, are thick and made with suet, which makes a delicate and flaky crust.

Pastry May Be Classified Under Three Heads

Plain

1. Shortening mixed into the flour by chopping or with the tips of the fingers.

Puff

2. Shortening worked into a paste of flour and water by folding and rolling.

Flaky

3. Shortening mixed into the flour by a combination of the first two methods.