How To: Make a basic pie crust

A tender, flaky crust is what separates a good pie from a great one. Learn how to make a basic pie crust from scratch with this how to video.

You Will Need
* 2 c flour
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1 c vegetable shortening, lard, or butter, chilled
* ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons ice water
* A mixing bowl
* A fork
* A dough blender or food processor
* A rolling pin
* An 8-inch pie pan
* Two sheets of wax paper
* A sharp knife

Step 1:
Whisk the flour & salt together in a bowl. Add the shortening, and with a dough blender, or in a food processor, cut the shortening into the salted flour until the mix is full of pea-size pieces.

Step 2:
Drizzle 3 tablespoons of ice-cold water over the dough, and mix it in with a fork until the dough is moistened, adding more water, five or six drops at a time, just until the dough sticks together. Form a ball, split the ball in half, and wrap the two balls separately in plastic wrap. Put them in the refrigerator.

Step 3:
After 30 minutes, take one half of the dough out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for a minute. Dust a flat surface with flour. Put the dough on the flat surface, and flatten the ball with the heel of your hand.

Step 4:
Roll the pin from the center of the dough outward a few times. Pick up the dough and turn it 90 degrees. Once again, roll from the center outward. Repeat twice more, until you've turned the dough 360 degrees and have a 9-inch round that is about ¼-inch thick.

Step 5:
Carefully pick up the crust and place it in the pie plate. Trim off the excess dough so the crust fits inside the plate.

Step 6:

Add your pie filling. Set the pie aside, and take your second ball of dough out of the fridge. Leave it on the counter for a minute or two, and then roll it out. When it's the right size and shape, cover the filling with it.

Step 7:
Tuck the edges of the top crust under the edges of the lower crust, & press together.