This recipe for Hot Water Pastry starts by combining hot water with a bit of milk and some solid shortening. This mixture is whipped using a fork, until the water is absorbed into the fat and the shortening becomes fluffy. Then flour and salt are added and the mixture is stirred until a dough forms. After a brief chill in the fridge, the dough is rolled out, fitted into the pan, and it's ready for blind baking or filling. So let's get started!
Combine 1/2 cup plus 6 Tbsp. solid shortening, 1/4 cup hot water, and 1 Tbsp. milk in a large bowl. Beat with a fork, using vigorous across the bowl strokes, until the mixture looks like whipped cream. Some of the water might fly out of the bowl while you do this. That's okay; the recipe is planned with that in mind. It may be tempting to give up, but keep going; all of a sudden the shortening will absorb the water.
