A Delicious Graham Cracker Crust

Sure the pre-prepared crusts at the store save you time. But that's about all. Those tightly compacted little crusts have very little graham cracker flavor and really add nothing to the pie. Furthermore, I tend to avoid the pre-prepared items because they tend to add additional preservatives.

If dessert is going to be a treat, I want it to taste great, so I don't cut corners here.

If you're concerned about complexity, don't. I'm able to mix up my homemade graham cracker crusts in about 5 minutes and I'm able to do it with almost no mess to clean up. If you're concerned about how it will turn out, don't worry anymore. I'm not a "foodie" but these crusts are probably about the only thing I've had come out right every single time. A pastry crust takes some practice. Rolling it out, getting it on the pie, adding the finishing touches, all take some effort to get it right. A graham cracker crust on the other hand is a "piece of cake" so to speak.

I'm certain that if you search, you'll find other recipes for a graham cracker crust that are absolutely wonderful. This one is merely the one that my mother used nearly 40 or 50 years ago! It's not uncommon I'm sure.

All you need is:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (1 full packet plus 2 additional sheets)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 Tablespoons butter or margarine, melted (Light margarine is ok too)

To make this a no-mess task, I simply place my graham crackers in a large Zip Lock bag, squeeze out any air, and close. Then I take a mallet and pound them for 15 seconds or so. Next, I finish grinding them even more finely with a rolling pin. None of the utensils or the counter get anything on them, I can then just empty the crumbs into a bowl with the melted butter and sugar, and mix. Some people use a food processor but I don't like cleaning them up!

Once combined, pour into a 8 inch pie plate, and begin pressing it down firmly to the bottom and sides. (Don't leave it too thick in the corners!) I start in the center and work my way out. Once this is complete, chill the crust for one hour. Then preheat your oven to 325 degrees Farenheit and bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

Let the crust cool, then you can pour in your favorite filling; baking as needed, to create your favorite pie.