Instructions:
By using a food processor to cut the shortening into the flour, it is possible to prepare pie pastry very quickly. Be careful not to overprocess the mixture, or you will have a cookie dough—tender but not flaky.
- SINGLE CRUST
- 1⁄4 cup vegetable shortening;
- 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour;
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt;
- 2 tablespoons cold water.
- DOUBLE CRUST
- 1⁄2 cup vegetable shortening;
- 11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour;
- 1 teaspoon salt;
- 1⁄4 cup cold water.
- Combine shortening, flour, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer. Blend at low speed about 30 seconds, or until fat is in pea-size pieces. Or combine the ingredients in the work bowl of a food processor with the steel blade in place. Process using on/off bursts, until fat is in pea-size pieces. Add all the water at one time and mix about 15 seconds with the electric mixer, or with 8 to 10 pulses of the food processor, until dough clings together. Shape into a ball; it should feel smooth and moist, not wet. Chill until ready to roll out.
MAKES PASTRY FOR 1 DOUBLE-CRUST PIE, OR 1 SINGLE-CRUST PIE SHELL
