Step 1

In a medium bowl stir together the flour and the salt.

Step 2

Add the cold vegetable shortening, incorporate into the flour using a pastry cutter or 2 forks until the shortening is evenly crumbly.

Step 3

Cut in the cold butter. It’s important not to overwork, there should be some smaller and some larger chunks.

Step 4

Add 2 tablespoons of the ice water and toss. Add more water a tablespoon at a time just until the dough holds together when pinched. It still may look dry and crumbly.

Step 5

Transfer to a floured surface, fold the dough into itself until all the flour is incorporated into the fats. Shape into a disk about 1 inch thick. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to rest or up to 3 days before rolling.

Step 6

When ready to roll, remove the plastic wrap from the disc. Lightly flour your work surface and your rolling pin. Start from the center of the disc using gentle force, rolling in all directions, turning the dough in quarter turns as you go to prevent sticking. If any sticking occurs lightly flour the surface.

Step 7

Roll to about 13 inches.

Step 8

Starting on one end, roll the dough around the rolling pin and transfer to the pan. Trim and shape as desired.

Step 9

Set in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

Step 10

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Step 11

Stir together 1 cup of flour and ½ cup brown sugar until well blended. Cut in the vegetable shortening with a pastry cutter or rub in with fingers until small crumbs form; set aside.

Step 12

Dissolve 1 teaspoon cornstarch into 1 cup of very hot water; set aside. In another bowl, mix together the molasses, corn syrup, brown sugar and the eggs until well combined. Stir in the water and cornstarch mixture, mix well.

Step 13

Pour half of the syrup mixture into the chilled prepared pie crust. Top with half of the crumbs and pour in the rest of the syrup mixture, evenly top with remaining crumbs. Carefully place on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Turn down oven to 350 degrees and bake another 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a rack to cool.