FLAKY PIE CRUST MIX

12 1/2 c Unbleached Flour
5 c Vegetable Shortening
2 TB Salt

Combine unbleached flour and salt in a large bowl and blend well. With a pastry blender, cut in shortening until evenly distributed. Mixture will resemble cornmeal in texture. Put in a large airtight container and lable as Flaky Pie Crust Mix. Store in a cool, dry place and use within 10 to 12 weeks. Or put about 2 1/2 cups of mixture each into 6 freezer bags. Seal and label bags and freeze. Use within 12 months.
Makes about 16 cups mix, enough for 6 double pie crusts or 12 single pie crusts.

FLAKY PIE CRUST:

2 1/2 c Flaky Pie Crust Mix
1 Large Egg, Beaten
1/4 c ICE Water
1 tb White Vinegar

Crumble Flaky Pie Crust Mix, if frozen. Put mix in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, combine ice water, egg and vinegar. Sprinkle a spoonful of the water mixture at a time over the flaky pie crust mix and toss with a fork until dough barely clings together in the bowl. Roll out dough to desired thickness between 2 sheets of lightly floured waxed paper. Place dough in 9-inch pie plate without stretching. Flute edges. If filling recipe calls for a baked pie crust, preheat oven to 425 degrees F. (220 degrees C.). Bake 10 to 15 minutes, until very lightly browned. Cool. Fill and bake according to directions for filling. For double crust pie, place top crust over filling, press and flute edges, and cut slits in top crust. Makes enough crust for one 9-inch double-crust pie or two single-crust pies.

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