Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 cup Crisco shortening, chilled
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:

  1. Chill Crisco and ice water. Measure flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and optional sugar.
  3. Add chilled Crisco to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking.
  5. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
  7. Carefully lift and transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming and crimping the edges as desired.
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the bottom with a fork and bake until lightly golden, about 15-20 minutes.