happy holiday parties, pinterest!

i am not a baker.  i'm really bad at following directions, i have no patience - i just don't have the baker's touch.

and for some reason, for the past few years (maybe more?) i keep getting put in charge of holiday pies.

there have been many arguments - screaming, crying, throwing things - all because of the evil crust.

and then last year, i learned this super great trick from angela, who is most likely a genius.  i know pinterest loves steps and all that nonsense (ok, i do too), so here is my magic pie trick, step by step!!

mix your ingredients as usual
  my recipe is:  1 c flour, 1/3 c shortening plus 1 T, pinch of salt if you want, and 2-3 T icy water, as needed.  that's for one regular sized crust

ball it up, as per usual.  now get ready for the exciting part!!

find yourself a regular plastic grocery bag

cut the bottom corners, so that the pleated(?) parts can unfold and make a square

each side should look like this

smooth your bag out and put your ball of crust inside (exciting right?)

my baker sister says it tends to crack less if you pat the ball down a little before you start rolling

now roll as usual.  and your rolling pin (and your hands, in my case) stay clean and non-sticky!

stop, obviously, when it's the size and, uh, thickness? depth?, you want 

cut the bottom, one side, and the handles of the bag, to make a "book"

open the "book".  slowly, and watch for sticking.  it usually doesn't, but you never know

i like to stick the pan on top, then put my hand under the crust and bag, and flip it over 

now you just have to peel the bag off and you almost have a perfect crust! 

here's the almost perfect crust

but wait, there's more!  

i just learned how to do this fancy crust edge.  my mama taught me.

with about an inch of crust hanging over, you start rolling it under

then you just use your finger to make a diagonal pattern

ta da!  and you have approximately zero dishes and counters to wash!