Flaky Pastry - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 c. presifted all-purpose flour
1 c. vegetable shortening or lard
3 Tbsp. sugar (for sweet pastry)
1/2 c. ice cold water

Preparation

Sift the flour into a medium-sized bowl.
Cut in shortening with 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
(Add the sugar now, if desired.)
Using a fork, stir in water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough forms a ball.
Too much water or overmixing will make the crust tough.