When I was married to ExH, I asked his mother for the pie crust recipe she used. She declined to give it to me because "I wasn't family."
Later on the same visit, I asked ExMil's mother for it (DS's first Christmas) and GMIL was more than happy to share. She did ask if I could share it on "that Internet thing" too because she thought it would be nice and couldn't really use the internet yet. (1993 so early days).
4 years later, ExMIL finally offered me the recipe on the grounds that she guessed I was here to stay. I said, "No worries, I got it from your mom several years back. She says everyone deserves good pie!"
Turns out it was a recipe commonly used in the Amish/Mennonite communities so it was hardly a state secret anyway.
So in memory of GMIL, here we go again.
Amish Never-Fail Pie Crust.
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 3/4 cups vegetable shortening, cubed
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/2 cup cold water
Blend dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening until pea size crumbs form. add vinegar, egg and cold water. Mix dough until it just comes together, divide into four equal pieces. Makes four single or two double crusts.
Tweaks: make sure the water is as cold as you can get it. Also, the dough can easily be made ahead and frozen. Press each dough ball into a flat round disc and freeze in a ziploc baggie with wax paper between discs, or whatever suits you. Can be used for any sweet or savory pie and is better frozen IMO.
Blend t