Foolproof Pie Crust

Directions

1. 1
   Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt together in a medium-size bowl.
2. 2
   Cut the shortening with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
3. 3
   You may also use a food processor.
4. 4
   Add the milk, little by little, working a fork until the mixture comes together.
5. 5
   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and roll it out so it is about 1/4 inch thick.
6. 6
   Do not overhandle the dough.
7. 7
   Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate for your pie.
8. 8
   Or form it into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
9. 9
   *Tips from Ellen:.
10. 10
    To make rolling the dough easier, flour your rolling pin and work surface.
11. 11
    Don't be afraid to gently pick up the dough and turn it to prevent it from sticking.
12. 12
    To transfer the dough to the pie plate, loosely roll the dough around your rolling pin and unwrap it over the pie plate.
13. 13
    This prevents the dough from tearing.
14. 14
    If you are using a food processor to prepare the dough, pulse on and off until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
15. 15
    When the milk is added the dough will form a ball.
16. 16
    Stop pulsing at this point so the dough isn't overworked.