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

　　This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

　　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.

　　Cooks' Note

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