In Honor of Jello...A GF Pie Crust Recipe

cutting the butter into the flour

Placing the dough between two pieces of parchment

After the dough is rolled out

Placing the dough in the pan

Poke holes in the crust with a fork before baking

OK, friends!  I just got some great news!  Jello products are all GF UNLESS they say "Contains wheat, barley, rye or oats" after the ingredient list.  Today I bought some instant chocolate and banana cream pudding to make GF pies!  So, in honor of Jello, I am adding a GF Pie Crust Recipe.  Don't forget to grab a can of Great Value (Wal-Mart Generic) Whipped Cream, it's a great GF pie or fruit topper!!

Gluten-Free Pie Crust (Makes 2)

2 Cups of GF flour  -  Tom Sawyer brand (or flour blend of your choice)
1/4 tsp salt  - Great Value Brand (Wal-Mart)
3/4 Cup shortening  -  Great Value or Crisco Brand
1/4 Cup cold water

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.  Then using a fork, cut the shortening into the flour.  (This means to push the shortening and flour through the tines of the fork).  When the mixture resembles large crumbs it is ready to add the water.  Make sure the water is cold.  Add it a little at a time until the mixture sticks together good.  Don't use more than the 1/4 cup or it may be too sticky.  Should it become too sticky, just add a little more flour until you can handle it.  Just DO NOT overmix it or it will become tough.  Then with your hands you can press half the pie dough into the bottom of a glass or aluminum pie plate until it is about 1/8" thick.  You can also roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper with a GF rolling pin, and place it in the pie plate.  Poke the crust with a fork.  Then bake it at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until it no longer looks wet.  Then cool completely.  You are ready to add your favorite GF filling.

NOTES:  I use half shortening and half butter (Great Value Brand) instead of all shortening in the crust.  It gives a better flavor.  Also, if you roll out the pie crust, you may want to roll it out between two pieces of parchment.  Don't spend the big money on pre-cut parchment paper, just buy a Great Value Brand roll of it at Wal-Mart.  It will come in handy in a lot of recipes!!