Never-Fail Vinegar Pastry (Melodie)

2 1/2 cups purpose flour   

1 tsp. salt      

1 cup shortening    

1 egg beaten

1 TBS. white vinegar

1/4 cup water or milk

   

Mix flour and salt.  Cut 2/3 of the shortening into the flour until it resembles cornmeal (for tenderness) and the remaining shortening until it is the size of small peas (for flakiness).  Combine beaten egg with the vinegar and water or milk.  Add all at once to flour mixture and mix quickly and lightly with a fork.  Roll out.  Chill pie shells.  Bake at 425° (400 for glass dish) about 10 - 12 minutes.  If making 2 crust pies, follow directions according to filling used.  This makes 2 pie shells or one double-crust pie.