MOM'S PIE CRUST RECIPES

Steps:

• Mix flour and salt in medium size bowl.
• Cut in shortening with pastry blender until uniform with pieces no larger than a pea.
• Break egg into measuring cup and beat.
• Add milk to egg to just over 1/2 cup (about 1/2 cup plus a table spoon total milk and egg) stir well.
• Blend egg and milk mixture into flour mixture with a fork until liquid is no longer present.
• Very lightly knead dough and form into a ball (Over working the dough is the most common reason for pie crust failure!).
• Cut Dough in half.
• Roll out and use with your favorite filling. Makes a top and bottom crust. divide recipe in half for a single crust pie.

Steps:

• Combine flour and salt in large bowl; cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Combine cold water, egg and vinegar in bowl. Add egg mixture to flour mixture; mix, with fork, just until flour is moistened. Divide dough in half; shape each half into a ball. Flatten slightly; wrap each ball of dough in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
• For 1-crust pie, roll out 1 ball of dough on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough into 9-inch pie pan; unfold dough, pressing firmly against bottom and sides. Trim crust to 1/2 inch from edge of pan. Crimp or flute edge. Fill and bake according to pie recipe directions.
• For 2-crust pie, roll out remaining ball of dough on lightly floured surface to 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough over filling; unfold. Trim, seal and crimp or flute edge. Cut 5 or 6 large slits in crust. Bake according to pie recipe directions.
• For baked unfilled pie shell; prepare crust as directed above for 1-crust pie. Prick crust all over with fork before baking. Bake at 475°F, 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.