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Hot-Water Pastry Dough

5.0

(5)

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This old-fashioned pastry dough makes a deliciously shortbread-like crust.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Cooks' Note

If dough feels dry or crumbly, add additional hot water by the tablespoonful.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes enough dough for a double-crust 9 inch pie

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter
2/3 cup cold vegetable shortening
1/3 cup boiling water

Preparation

  1. In a large bowl stir together flour and salt and make a well in center. Cut butter and shortening into bits and put into well. Pour boiling water over fats in bowl, stirring fats and water with a fork until water is incorporated (some of fat will still be in lumps). With fork incorporate surrounding flour until fat is evenly distributed. On a floured surface divide dough into 4 portions. With heel of hand smear each portion once in a forward motion to help distribute fat. Form dough into 2 pieces, one slightly larger than the other, and flatten into disks. Chill disks, wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm, about 1 hour. Dough may be made 1 day ahead and chilled or 2 weeks ahead and frozen, wrapped well. Let dough soften slightly before rolling out.

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