Can't Fail Pie Crust

Yield: Four 8" to 9" crusts or two 10" crusts

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
2 teaspoons salt
1 ¾ cups vegetable shortening (no substitutes)
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 egg
½ cup ice water

Put flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add the shortening and cut it in until the mixture is crumbly and there are no big lumps of fat.

In a small bowl, use a fork to combine the vinegar, egg and ice water. Add vinegar mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a fork until all ingredients are just moistened and the dough comes together in a ball.

Divide the dough into fourths, each of which will make 1 crust. Put dough you will use now in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill and freeze the rest.