Basic Pastry Crust

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter or shortening
• 4 tablespoons ice-cold water

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. 2

   Sift together flour and salt, and cut in half the shortening or butter until mixture is crumbly. Cut in remaining shortening. Do not overmix.

3. 3

   Add 1 tablespoon water and gently toss. Repeat this until the mixture forms a ball.

4. 4

   Flatten on a flour surface, and roll out to 1/8 inch thickness.

5. 5

   Fit into a pie plate, and prick all over.

6. 6

   Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

7. 7

   Use in any recipe calling for a par baked crust.