This basic recipe produces a buttery, layered pastry shell.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Pinch of salt

• 8 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 1-inch pieces (or 5 tablespoons cold butter and 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening)
• 3 tablespoons ice-cold water

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter pieces. To ensure the crust will be flaky, rub the butter into the flour with your palms, flattening it and coating it with flour, until the butter pieces are pea-size. (If you have vegetable shortening on hand, you can use it in place of some of the butter; vegetable shortening helps to make a crust that's easier for kids to work with.

2. Add the ice-cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with your hands until the dough forms a ball. Turn it out onto a countertop, press into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes before using it for the Old-fashioned Pumpkin Pie.

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Find more about:

• Cooking with Kids |
• Piecrusts

Related Categories:

• Ice Cream Pies & Piecrusts |
• Kids' Recipes