Grandmother’s Pie Crust Recipe: A Timeless Tradition
A tender, flaky pie crust passed down through generations—made with shortening, egg, vinegar, and Grandma’s secret touch: cream of tartar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies (usually 10–15 mins blind bake or 30–45 mins with filling)
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 2 pie crusts (for 9-inch pies)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Mixed by hand
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ tsp cream of tartar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1½ cups Crisco (vegetable shortening)
– 4–8 tbsp very cold water
– 1 egg, well-beaten
– 1 tbsp vinegar
Instructions
1. Chill all ingredients and mixing tools.
2. Whisk together flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
3. Cut in Crisco until crumbly.
4. Mix cold water, beaten egg, and vinegar.
5. Gradually add liquid to dry mix until dough forms.
6. Divide, shape into disks, wrap, and chill for 30+ mins.
7. Roll out on floured surface and use as needed.
Notes
– Do not overmix or overhandle the dough.
– Keep everything cold for the flakiest crust.
– Dough can be frozen for later use.