Deluxe Butter Pie Pastry Dough

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, chilled

Directions

1. 1

   In a bowl, combine flour and salt with a rubber spatula.

2. 2

   Working quickly to prevent softening, cut the butter into 1/4-inch pieces. Add the butter to the dry ingredients.

3. 3

   Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into pea-size pieces. Add the shortening.

4. 4

   With a few quick swipes of the pastry blender, cut the shortening into large chunks and distribute throughout the bowl. Continue to chop with the pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-size pieces. Do not let the mixture soften and begin to clump; it must remain dry and powdery.

5. 5

   Drizzle 6 tablespoon ice water over the fat and flour mixture. Cut with the blade side of the spatula until the mixture looks evenly moistened and begins to form small balls. Press down on the dough with the flat side of the spatula. If the balls of dough stick together, you have added enough water. If they do not, drizzle 1 tablespoons more ice water over the top. Cut in the water, then press with your hands until the dough coheres. The dough should look rough, not smooth.

6. 6

   Divide the dough in half , collect each half in a square of plastic wrap and pull the plastic tight to form a cohesive round, flat disc. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably for several hours, or for up to 2 days before rolling. The dough can also be wrapped airtight and frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw completely before rolling.

7. 7

   Bake this crust in a preheated over at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Let cool 20 minutes before filling.