Steve's Cookbook

Flaky Pie Crust

Lots of people have problems find a good, flaky pie crust. This one is great. Simple, good and flawless! Good for single and double crust pies.
 
 1.5 cups Flour
2 Tblspn Sugar
5 tsp Salt
6 Tblspn Butter, unsalted, chilled and cut up
3 Tblspn Shortening
1 Egg Yolk
1 tsp Lemon Juice or White Vinegar
4 Tblspn Water, ice cold
 
 Directions:

In large bowl combine flour,, sugar and salt. Mix well. Add butter. With a pastry blender or 2 knives work the butter into the flour until it is partially mixed into the flour. Add shortening and continue blending until butter and shortening resemble pea-sized flakes.

In a small bowl combine egg yolk, lemon juice and 2 Tblspn water. Mix well. Add egg mixture to the flour mixture. With a fork mix well. Add remaining water 1-2 tsp at a time until the dough just begins to stick together.

Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove and roll out per recipe.

 
 Notes: To double the recipe use 3 cups flour, 3 Tblspn sugar, 1 tsp salt, 3/4 cup butter, 6 Tblspn shortening, 1 egg yolk, 2 tsp lemon juice, 6-8 Tblspn ice water. Prepare as directed and when adding water initially, use 4 Tblspn.