For pies that require no baking, rely on this recipe for a pie crust that magically comes together with only three ingredients. This crust plays a dual role. In addition to creating a base for a pie filing, it actually contributes nutty texture, flavor, and sweetness to the pie. Contributed by Zel Allen, reprinted from  The Nut Gourmet. ^[1]

Yield: 1 (9-inch) crust

• 1 1/2 cups whole almonds
• 1 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
• 1 to 4 tablespoons water

Grind the almonds into a fine but not powdery meal in the food processor. Add the dates and enough water to form a dough that holds together when pressed. Stop the machine occasionally to scrape down the sides of the work bowl and redistribute the ingredients.

Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan and fill as desired.

• Explore more of VegKItchen’s No-Bake and Raw Sweets ^[2].
• Sweet tooth still craving? Here are more Vegan Baking and Sweets ^[3].

Zel and Reuben Allen host the popular, long-running webzine Vegetarians in Paradise. ^[4]