The fall season is all about pies, pies, and more pies, especially when it comes to Thanksgiving. From apple to pecan to pumpkin, pies make a great addition to any holiday meal. When it comes to pie though, it’s all about the crust. If you’re gearing up to bake some delicious sweetness this season, here’s a quick recipe for perfecting that pie crust.

 

What You Need:

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) very cold unsalted butter
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/3 cup very cold vegetable shortening
• 6 to 8 tablespoons (about 1/2 cup) ice water
• food processor

 

How to Make the Crust:

1. First, dice the butter and return it to the refrigerator while you prepare the flour mixture. Then, combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl and pulse in a food processor. Next, add the butter and shortening, mixing until the butter is about the size of peas.
2. Then, pour the ice water in slowly while pulsing until the dough begins to form. Once the dough is formed, roll it into a ball on a floured board. Plastic wrap it and let the ball refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
3. After the dough has hardened, cut the dough in half and roll each piece on a well-floured board. This is the hardest part! You’ll want to create a circle, so roll from the center to the edges. Keep turning the dough and spreading flour to make sure it doesn’t stick. When you’re finished, fold the dough in half and place it in a pie pan. Repeat this for the top crust.

 

Don’t forget to make some cool pie crust designs! Here are a few to try.