NO-FAIL PIE CRUST

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar and salt with a fork.
• Cut in the shortening with a fork until crumbly.
• In a small bowl, beat together the water, vinegar and egg; add to the flour mixture.
• Stir until all ingredients are moistened.
• Divide dough into 5 portions and, with hands, shape each into a flat round patty ready for rolling.
• Wrap each patty in plastic or waxed paper and chill at least 1/2 hour.
• When you are ready to use the pie crust, lightly flour both sides of the patty and roll out on a lightly floured board or pastry cloth.
• Keeping the pastry round, roll, from the center, to a 1/8-inch thickness into a circle 2 inches larger than the top of the pie pan.
• Fold in halves or quarters, transfer to the pie pan, unfold and fit in loosely.
• Press with fingers to remove air pockets.
• Fill the crust.
• Place the other crust on top; flute edges with a fork and place decorative slits in top of crust to allow steam to escape.
• Bake as directed in the pie recipe you are following.
• Bake pie on the LOWEST rack in oven to prevent bottom crust becoming soggy.
• FOR A PRE-BAKED UNFILLED PIE SHELL:.
• Prick the bottom and sides of a pastry lined pie pan with a fork.
• Bake on the CENTER rack in a preheated 450 degree Fahrenheit oven 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown (a metal pan will take longer than glass).
• Cool on a wire rack (the shell will shrink and edges pull away from pan).
• Fill as desired.