For a crunchier crust, you may want to blind bake it first before putting-in the filling.
Here are the steps:
1.After completing step 1 above (cooking procedure create the dough), pierce the base of the dough with a fork in random places to allow air to flow.
2. Place a baking or parchment paper over the pastry base. Make sure that the paper fits the base of the pastry and the sides as well.
3. Put uncooked rice, dried beans, or pie weights over the surface of the parchment paper. This will prevent the pastry base from rising because of air bubbles.
4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the crust for about 12 minutes or until the color turns golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool for 3 - 5 minutes. Proceed with Step 2 above (Cooking procedure – make the filling)