Grandma Ida's Pie Crust

My great grandma Ida's Perfect Pie Crust
I LOVE this crust. It is flaky and so so good, and the best part. . .it's so easy.

The thing about pie crusts is this:
You must follow these three golden rules...

1. Do NOT overhandle the dough (my mom taught me this). VERY important for a good crust. 

2. You MUST let your pie sit after it has baked (at least an hour). The flavors meld and the juices set. Must must must! 

3. Practice practice practice. 
I'm not perfect at making pies and it's hard when you only tend to make them once a year. But the more you make them, the easier they get and the better you get. 



Ida's PIE CRUST 
(Makes 2 pie crusts)

Blend together until crumbly:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shortening

In a small mixing bowl whisk together:
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 egg

Pour liquid into flour mixture and mix with a fork until JUST combined (DO NOT OVERMIX!)
Divide dough in half and roll out on floured surface (DO NOT OVER HANDLE & do NOT roll out more than once!)






Typically, you will bake your pie at about 375 degrees for 1 hour. Cover edges of pie crust with aluminum foil for first 30 minutes, then remove foil for remaining time. Otherwise, follow your favorite pie filling recipe's directions. 


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Delicious Apple Pie Recipe


Pie Crust (enough for 2 pie crusts)

Filling
2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
8 to 10 Granny Smith apples
1/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cold butter, sliced into 3 or 4 pieces

Sugar topping (sprinkle 1 - 2 teaspoons sugar or cinnamon sugar evenly on pie crust)


Roll out and place 1 pie crust in pie dish with a slight overhang. In a large mixing bowl add lemon juice. Peel, core and slice apples into 1/8" to 3/16" pieces. Add to bowl and toss. Add flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon and toss until well combined. Add filling mixture to pie crust. Top with 1 tablespoon sliced cold butter.

Roll out remaining pie crust and place over apple filling with a slight overhang. Trim edges to about a 1/4" to 1/2" overhang. Tuck under and crimp with thumbs. With a sharp knife add a few slits on the top crust. Sprinkle with sugar cinnamon mixture.

Bake pie @ 375 for about 45 to 60 minutes. Cover edges with aluminum foil for first 30 minutes (refer to pictures below). Remove foil.

Let pie sit for about 4 to 6 hours, or overnight before eating.