Monday, October 12, 2009

Great Pie Crust

This one is a winner!

2 cups all purpose flour, frozen
2/3 cup butter, cut into 1/2" dice, frozen
2 tblsp solid shortening, cut into 1/2" dice, frozen
1/2 tsp salt (I make mine slightly heaping)
1/4 cup ice water (make a large batch with ice cubes and pour the 1/4 cup just before using)
2 tbsp vodka, cold

Mix flour and salt in bowl. Add shortening and flour cubes a little at a time, stirring into flour to coat each piece. Using a pastry blender, cut into the fat cubes until mixture is crumbly. Mix water and vodka in another bowl and pour over a little at a time, pulling up dry mixture from the bottom with each little pour. Use a fork to mix just until there are no large areas of dry ingredients. Divide into 2 piles on waxed paper (I always make my top crust pile a little smaller than the bottom crust). Use the waxed paper to press the mixture into a disk, kneeding a few times if it is still crumbly. Refrigerate only for a few minutes to rest the dough while you prepare your rolling pin and surface. I use a stockinette cover for my rolling pin dusted with a little flour and roll on a pastry cloth also dusted with flour. I also always sprinkle a generous teaspoon of flour into my pie pan before placing the crust (I use flour from a shaker).

I'd like to hear if anyone tries this and what you think!