Grandmother’s Pie Crust

This pie crust recipe came from my mother who got it from her mother. I’ve noticed that it’s similar to a lot of people’s recipe they got from their grandmothers. I think our grandmothers all had the same pie crust recipe! It was simple and so good! My grandmother used lard from pigs they raised. Someday I hope to do the same thing. Until then I use vegetable shortening. It’s disgusting to me but the results are unbeatable so I’m going to keep using it. Lol!

The vinegar is supposed to help with the flakiness of the crust. I have never added sugar and it doesn’t need it. This crust has helped me win many a pie contest. I hope y’all enjoy it and it becomes a treasured part of the family recipe box. ♥️

Grandmother’s Pie Crust

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings 4 Single Crusts

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cup shortening
• 3-4 cups flour

Instructions

 

• With a fork, whisk together the water, egg, vinegar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the shortening and 3 cups flour. Mix together well with a fork or pastry cutter and then finish working the dough with your hands till it forms a good ball. Add the 4th cup of flour as needed. Most of the time I only use about half of it. Don’t over-mix the dough. Use the dough right away or store it in a ziplock bag in the fridge.

Notes

-If using freshly ground wheat flour, use soft wheat berries.
-You can substitute the shortening for butter for a healthier option.
-Times four the recipe to use an entire 3 lb. can of shortening.
-Freeze extra pie dough by dividing it into individual pie crust size and wrapping in plastic wrap and then putting it in a freezer bag. Pull it out of the freezer a couple hours before wanting to use it and let it thaw at room temperature.