The Hen House

Roll out pie crust t0 approx 1/4 inch thickness. This could be homemade or crust you purchase in the frozen section (of course thaw first). Cut into 1/2 inch wide strips. For a 6" pie this would be about six strips. Weave the strips 3 in each direction. Place the strips on an upside- down aluminum pie tin. A frozen pot-pie tin works well. For a larger "pie" use more strips equal numbers woven each way. Cut one additional strip of dough long enough to cover the rim of the pie tin. Arrange the longer stips around the lattice strips covering the edges. Wet edges of lattice with water so they adhere to the bottom of pie rim edging. Brush dough with egg white and sprinke with cinnamon and cloves. Place pie with dough on a foil lined baking sheet. Bake at 325 degress until golden brown first checking at about 20 min. Cool completley then gently separate lattice from pie tin. Fill tine with potpourri then arrange lattice on top. Glue in place with hot glue.

I have made these with fabric. You can use the saucer of a clay pot, fabric or felt the color of a pie crust, potpourri, and sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnomon on it when you are done. You hot glue an outside "crust" by folding the fabric halfway back over itself and go around the saucer, and then fill it with potpourri and then weave the strips over the top. If you use felt fabric you can use those scissors that leave a serated side to them. I prefered a tan/ cream colored linen and ironed my edges under. Then I used a roll of that bonding sewing ribbon(?). I don't sew but it was a roll of linen that had the sides ironed under already and I think they use it for hemming?! It was already the perfect size for weaving strips. These can go in a warm oven after you are done baking and it is turned off. Add scented oil to refurbish when needed. And don't forget to take it out of the oven before you crank up the heat again!