RUTH’S PIE CRUST

STANDARD PASTY
8 OR 9 INCH ONE-CRUST PIE

1/3 CUP PLUS 1 TABLESPOON SHORTENING OR 1/3 CUP LARD
1 CUP ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
(IF USING SELF-RISING FLOUR, OMIT SALT. PIE CRUSTS MADE WITH SELF-RISING OR WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR DIFFER IN FLAVOR AND TEXTURE FROM THOSE MADE WITH ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR.)
½ TEASPOON SALT
2 TO 3 TABLESPOONS COLD WATER


8 OR 9 INCH TWO-CRUST PIE

2/3 CUP PLUS 2 TABLESPOONS SHORTENING OR 2/3 CUP LARD
2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR (SEE NOTE ABOVE)
1 TEASPOON SALT
4 TO 5 TABLESPOONS COLD WATER

CUT SHORTENING INTO FLOUR AND SALT UNTIL PARTICLES ARE SIZE OF SMALL PEAS. Sprinkle in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons water can be added if necessary.)

Gather pastry into a ball; shape into flattened round on lightly floured cloth-covered board. (For two-crust pie, divide pastry into halves and shape into 2 rounds). Roll pastry 2 inches larger than inverted pie plate with floured stockinet-covered rolling pin. Fold pastry into quarters; unfold and ease into plate, pressing firmly against bottom and side.

For one-crust pie: trim overhanging edge of pastry 1 inch from rim of plate. Fold and roll pastry under, even with plate; flute. Fill and bake as directed in recipe.

For baked pie shell: prick bottom and side thoroughly with fork. Bake at 475 degrees until light brown, 8 to 10 minutes; cool.

For two crust pie: turn desired filling into pastry-lined pie plate. Trim overhanging edge of pastry ½ inch from rim of plate. Roll other round of pastry. Fold into quarters; cut slits so steam can escape. Place over filling and unfold. Trim over hanging edge of pastry one inch from rim of plate. Fold and roll top edge under lower edge, pressing on rim to seal; flute. Cover edge with 2 to 3 inch strip of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning; remove foil during last 15 minutes of baking. Bake as directed in recipe.

NOTE: IF POSSIBLE, HOOK FLUTED EDGE OVER EDGE OF PIE PLATE TO PREVENT SHRINKING AND HELP PASTRY RETAIN ITS SHAPE.