Multipurpose Pie Dough

Pie dough is relatively simple to make and requires very few ingredients. It is also incredibly versatile, as it can be used to make a plethora of sweet and savory pies as well as other desserts. This recipe creates flaky and crispy pie crusts, so give it a try!

Pie Dough Recipe 

(Makes two 9 " Pie Shells or six 7 " pie circles)

INGREDIENTS:

• 2¾ cups of all purpose flour
• 9 tablespoons salted butter, cold
• ¼  cup solid vegetable shortening, cold
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of ice water, plus more if needed

TOOLS NEEDED:

• A large bowl
• Plastic wrap
• A cutting board, spatula, fork, and whisk
• Food processor (optional)

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION / INSTRUCTIONS

BRIEF DIRECTIONS (See the video demonstration for detailed instructions):

1. In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, and salt, and whisk to mix together.
2. Cut the butter into 1/3 of an inch cubes and start adding the butter to the flour. Be sure to evenly distribute the butter and use a spatula to move some of the flour over the butter cubes to fully coat them in the flour, so all of the butter does not clump together. Next, add in the shortening, small pieces at a time (about ¼ of a teaspoon). Use the same method used for the butter, evenly distribute and coat the pieces of shortening with flour.  
3. Now with your hands, “rub” the butter and shortening pieces into the flour between your fingers until the mixture resembles a coarse meal with tiny chunks of butter and shortening throughout the dough.
4. Next add in the ice cold water to the mixture, 1 or 2 tablespoons at a time and use a spatula or fork to mix. The dough should slowly come together. Keep adding water until all of the mixture comes together and can be formed into a ball. Then take the dough ball, fully cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before use.

   Note: The pie dough can be stored for up to 10 days in the refrigerator, and 2 months in the       

   freezer. Also, you can use a food processor to mix the dough instead of using your hands if you 

   wish.