Reliable Gluten-Free Pie Crust - Janella
1 cup white, brown or sweet rice flour
1 cup tapioca flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 cup shortening
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp baking powder
Powdered sugar for rolling
Whisk together the flours and xanthan gum. Cut shortening into the flour mixture with a fork or pastry cutter. In a measuring cup, break the egg and beat slightly. Add vinegar and baking powder and two tbls ice water. Add liquid mixture to the flour mixture, mixing until the pastry holds together and forms a ball. You may need to add 1-2 more tbls ice water.
Form 2 balls, one slightly larger than the other, the larger one for the bottom crust, smaller for top. Set the balls back into the bowl; cover and chill for at least 15 minutes before using.The dough will not roll out exactly like wheat dough, but it will roll. Place the ball of dough between two sheets of wax paper wrap that are dusted lightly with powdered sugar or rice flour. Roll lightly and carefully. When correctly sized, peel off top wax paper and invert the crust into the pie dish, pressing gently into place. If dough cracks, just pinch it back together. Don't worry if you need to start over - moisten it just a bit. It won't hurt the finished crust.
For raisin pie, cut 4 large squares out of top for a lattice effect. A sprinkle of granulated sugar adds sparkle and liveliness.