Questioning the "Easy as Pie" phrase

I began my pie crust trials yesterday. Having discovered recently that January 23rd is National Pie Day, I decided I would like to perfect a homemade pie crust by then. I didn't realize this would be such a large undertaking. There are pretty close to a gazillion pie crust recipes out there (give or take :) ). So not only do I have to get good at making them, but I have to decide which recipe I want to use, too! And then, Grandmother was telling me this morning that some pie crusts work better with custard fillings (when you have to pre-cook the crust) and some work better for fruit-type fillings (when the filling and the crust cook together). Gracious! I am overwhelmed!

Anyway, I started off by comparing a Barbara Richardson (East Texas cooking legend) recipe, Easy Pie Crust, and one out of a new recipe book I have (Reader's Digest's "Taste of Home") called, Classic Pie Pastry. Not until I had already begun did I realize that these two would not make a good comparison. Barbara Richardson's is one you just press into the pie plate, while the other is one you roll out. I mean, if one is skilled at making pie crusts, sure! It would be useful to compare which one you like better. But, having never rolled out a crust in my life, I pretty much wasted my time with this one. With the exception that I learned I need to master rolling out pie pastry before I master any particular recipe and certainly before I have the gall to judge one over the other! (Oh, and with the added exception that now I have two really good coconut cream pies in my refrigerator, tough crust or not :) ) Basically, what happened was that I overworked the dough I was supposed to be rolling out, so it turned out really tough. The press-and-go one had better texture (because it hadn't been manhandled!) but it was pretty ugly, as crusts go. See for yourself:

(^ Pressed into the pan)


(^Rolled out flat and placed in pan)

Conclusion: I need to choose a basic, simple, plain-o pie crust recipe and practice my rolling skills.