Graham Cracker or Cookie Crumb Pie Crusts

Unless a pie or cheesecake recipe specifies other amounts, use these measurements for a 9" to 10" crumb pie crust or a cheesecake crust made in a 9" springform cake pan,

Make 1-1/2 cups cracker or cookie crumbs from:
   --- about 7 whole graham crackers, or
   --- about 22 vanilla wafers, depending on the brand, or
   --- about 20 to 25 ginger snaps, depending on the brand, or
   --- about 12 pieces of Zweiback, or
   --- about 15 Oreo sandwich cookies

for graham cracker crusts - 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

4 T. butter or margerine - melted

Preparation -
Process the crackers or cookies in a food processor or a blender to make crumbs. Add cinnamon (if using). In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbs with the melted butter or margerine. Toss with a fork to lightly moisten all the crumbs. Spread the moistened crumbs evenly on the bottom and up the sides of a pie pan or on the bottom only of a springform pan. Press in place with your fingers. Bake at 350º for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the pie filling or cheesecake filling.

NordicWare 10-in. Natural Commercial Bakeware Pie Pan with Storage Lid

NordicWare 10" Pie Pan with Storage Lid
This 10" Pie Pan with Storage Lid from NordicWare allows you to keep your homemade pie in the same pan as you store it in, which makes for easy clean-up and total convenience! The cover is air-tight so that the pie will retain its flavor and won't become old or stale.

	Allyson Elizabeth D´Angelo BellaOnline's Home Cooking Editor