How To Make Flaky Pie Dough Like Julia Child

In A Stand Mixer (using paddle attachment)

Mix the flour and salt in the bowl

Add the chilled butter and mix on low until mixture looks coarse and crumbly

Add shortening in small bits and continue to mix on low

When shortening is mixed in and texture is clumpy and starts to stick together, gradually add the ice water

Mix only until water is just incorporated

Use a small spatula to scrape off from the paddle attachment, flatten dough, and cut into quarters

One quarter of this recipe is enough flaky pie dough for one 9"-10" pie crust or shell

Place each piece in a separate zip lock bag, flatten, and chill before use or freeze for later

By Hand

Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl

Add the butter using a pastry blender (or your fingers)

Cut in chilled shortening until mixture forms clumps

Use a wooden spoon to mix in ice water

In A Food Processor

Start with very cold ingredients and be careful not to overwork them

Place flour and salt in food processor fitted with metal blade and pulse to mix

Remove lid and scatter chilled butter and shortening over dry ingredients

Cover and pulse just until fats are cut in

Add ice water in little bits, pulsing a few times after each addition until water is incorporated

(Don't process until the dough forms a ball that rides on the blade--that's overdoing it)