
A historical main dish from Favorite tested recipes of the members of Humboldt Park Chapter O.E.S and their friends (1900).
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Sift two cups flour with one teaspoon salt and one and one-half tablespoon baking powder
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Work in two tablespoons butter and one and one-quarter tablespoons lard with fingers
Add seven-eighths cup milk
Toss on a floured board; pat and roll to one-half inch in thickness
Shape to fit pie dish
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
This biscuit-style crust uses chemical leavening instead of steam for lift, creating a tender, cake-like topping that absorbs savory juices. The combination of butter and lard provides both flavor and flakiness—butter for taste, lard for superior shortening power due to its larger fat crystals. Working the fats in by hand creates irregular pockets that yield a rustic, slightly flaky texture while the baking powder ensures the crust rises above the filling rather than sinking into it.
This dough does not hold well once mixed due to the baking powder activating upon contact with liquid. However, you can measure and sift the dry ingredients up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Cut the cold fats into small pieces and refrigerate separately until ready to use.
Once baked on the chicken pie, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will soften as it absorbs moisture from the filling. Reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore some texture, though it will not crisp like a traditional pastry crust.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
This dough does not hold well once mixed due to the baking powder activating upon contact with liquid. However, you can measure and sift the dry ingredients up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Cut the cold fats into small pieces and refrigerate separately until ready to use.
Once baked on the chicken pie, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will soften as it absorbs moisture from the filling. Reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore some texture, though it will not crisp like a traditional pastry crust.