Shortcrust Pastry

Ingredients:

1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plain)

1/3 cup shortening

4-5 Tbsp cold water

Stir together flour and 1/4 tsp. salt.  Using your fingers (or a pastry cutter), blend in shortening till pieces are pea-size.

Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of the water over part of the mixture; gently toss with a fork.  Push moistened dough to the side of the bowl.  Repeat moistening dough, using 1 tablespoon of the water at a time, till all the dough is moistened.  Form into a ball, then roll out onto a lightly floured surface.  The pastry is now ready to be molded into your desired form!

If your recipe requires a 'baked pastry shell': Prepare as above, except generously prick bottom and sides of pastry in a pie plate with a fork.  Line pastry with a double thickness of foil.  Bake in a 450 F oven for 8 minutes.  Remove foil.  Bake 5 to 6 minutes more or till golden.  Cool on a wire rack.