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wrote in news:1103632898.733989.17080
@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

> hi - I need a good basic recipe for pie crust. I have to make apple and
> pumpkin this week for my family for Christmas.
>
> Thanks
>
> DS

I've followed this basic recipe from Crisco for years, but usually
substitute a mixture of butter and lard for the Crisco. However, Crisco
does produce a rather flaky crust.

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup Crisco all-vegetable shortening
7 to 8 tablespoons cold water

Spoon flour into measuring cup and level. Mix flour and salt in medium
bowl. Cut in Crisco using pastry blender (or 2 knives) until all flour is
blended in to form pea-size chunks. Sprinkle with water, one tablespoon at
a time. Toss lightly with fork until dough will form ball. Divide dough in
half, if making double crust. Press between hands to form one or two 5 to
6-inch pancakes.

Flour dough lightly. Roll into circle between sheets of waxed paper on
dampened countertop. Peel off top sheet. For single crust, trim one inch
larger than inverted 9-inch pie plate. Flip into pie plate. Remove other
sheet and press pastry to fit. Fold edge under. Flute. For double crust,
flour each half of dough lightly. Roll into circles between sheets of waxed
paper on dampened countertop. Peel off top sheet for bottom crust. Transfer
bottom crust to pie plate. Remove other sheet and press pastry to fit. Trim
edge even with pie plate. Add desired filling to unbaked pie crust. Remove
top sheet from top crust. Lift top crust onto filled pie. Remove other
sheet. Trim to 1/2-inch beyond edge of pie plate. Fold top edge under
bottom crust. Flute. Cut slits in top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake according to specific recipe instructions.

For single baked pie shell, heat oven to 425ºF. Thoroughly prick bottom and
sides with fork (50 times) to prevent shrinking. Bake at 425ºF for 10 to 15
minutes or until lightly browned. For recipe calling for unbaked pie shell,
follow baking directions given in that recipe.

--
Wayne in Phoenix

*If there's a nit to pick, some nitwit will pick it.
*A mind is a terrible thing to lose.