Basic Pastry Dough (Pie Crust)

Ingredients

• 250 ml (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 2.5 ml (½ tsp) baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Don’t add pepper if the crust will be used for a dessert pie.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) canola oil
• 60 ml (¼ cup) cold water

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and pepper.
2. Add oil and water. Mix with fingers until the dough has a smooth and even texture. 
3. With your hands, form the dough into a flat disk about 5 cm thick.
4.  Roll out from the centre with a rolling pin until the dough is about 35 cm in diameter (3 to 4 mm thick) Tip: You can also use a clean, empty wine bottle (or any other bottle) to roll the dough. 
5. Use the rolling pin to lift the disk and place it in the pie plate. Trim and pinch the edges. 
6. Use immediately or freeze in a foil plate for use later.