Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
Instructions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (pea-sized bits).
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. You may not need to use all the water.
- Form Dough: Gather the dough into a ball. Avoid overworking it, as this can make the crust tough.
- Chill: Flatten the dough ball into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
- Roll Out: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit your pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough.
- Use or Pre-bake: If your recipe requires a pre-baked crust, prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Enjoy your pie!