Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust

Flaky pie crust especially great with fruit pies. This pie crust bakes up golden and has a fabulously light almond flavoring. . . This recipe came from my Grandmother and always comes out just right for me.

• Ready In: 33 mins
• Yields: 2 crusts

Ingredients

• 1 2⁄3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup shortening
• 1⁄3 cup cold water
• 1  teaspoon  almond extract

Directions

1. Make a paste from your cold water, 1/3 cup of your all purpose flour and almond extract.
2. Cut shortening into your remaining flour and salt until you have small dime sized lumps. Add your paste to the shortening/flour mixture. Work together into a ball. Separate into two equal balls. Well-flour a smooth surface and roll out one of your dough balls into a round crust.
3. Do NOT overwork this dough -- it will be fairly sticky so make sure to flour your rolling pin as well.
4. If you are making a fruit pie, this recipe will make your top and bottom crust. If you are baking a crust to form later, after forming your crust, lay into a pie pan, press into the bottom of the pan, and finish your edges as you like. Poke the bottom of the crust with a fork to keep bubbles from forming in the crust and bake for 12 - 13 minutes in a 425 oven or until beginning to brown. You can also brush the edges of your crust with an egg wash to create a shiny browned appearance.