1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, well chilled and cut into pieces
2 1/2 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening, well chilled and cut into small pieces
About 3 tablespoons ice water

Combine the flour and confectioners' sugar in a bowl. Cut in the butter and shortening with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles oatmeal flakes. Gradually add the water, mixing just until the dough holds together. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Using the heel of your hand, smear 1/4 cup of dough at a time across the surface to form a 6-inch-long strip. Gather the dough together and repeat two more times. Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it to form a disk. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it at least 1 hour or overnight.

Note: This recipe makes one pie crust. If you are making a pie with a crust on the top, you will need to double this recipe.