Pie Pastry Recipe

The cheapest way to make a pie shell is to do it from scratch. Here is my favorite, simple pie crust recipe:
INGREDIENTS

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup shortening
* 1/2 cup water

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until mixture forms a ball. Divide dough in half, and shape into balls. Wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
2. Roll out dough on a floured counter. Don't over work it. Use as directed in pie recipe.

Here's a more elegant pie shell recipe:

1 3/4 cup all purpose flour (250 g)
1 stick of butter (125 g)
1 egg
1 tsp sour cream, or thick yogurt
1/2 tsp salt

Prepare as usual with your butter very, very cold, ingredients and equipment chilled, and let the dough rest 20 min. in fridge before rolling. Try to touch it as little as possible.