Oatmeal Pie Shell

Yield: one 8", 9" or 10" pie shell

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup quick cooking oatmeal
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon any dried herb, optional
6 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening
2 tablespoons cold butter
3 to 5 tablespoons ice water

In a bowl mix flour, oatmeal, salt, sugar, baking powder and herbs. Cut in vegetable shortening and butter. Add 3 tablespoons ice water and mix. If it doesn't hold together, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Chill.

Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface about ¼-inch thick. Place in a pie plate. Prick all over with a fork and bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes for a partially baked shell. Bake 30 to 35 minutes for a fully baked one.

Note: Because of the oatmeal, the dough doesn't hold together quite like other doughs and may break when you fit it in the pie shell. Just push it back together and patch if necessary.