Fruit Pies - Crust

Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Add the shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives until the consistency of coarse sand. Sprinkle the ice water over the mixture and toss until balls of dough are formed. Form into a ball and chill 1/2 hour. Divide dough in half and roll out as thin as possible. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate and fill. (The recipes for four fillings are included in this database.) Cover with other piece of dough and seal the edges. Make a few slashes in the top and brush with beaten egg yolks. Serves 6 to 8.