Grammies' Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

As per special request, here is Grammies' Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Recipe as found in her recipe drawer amongst THOUSANDS of other recipes. Amazing!!

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (11 oz.) piecrust mix OR 1 home-made pie crust.*
1 c. white sugar
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
grated rind of one orange
2 1/2 c. fresh strawberries
2 1/2 c. cut fresh or thawed frozen rhubarb
1/4 c. orange juice
1 Tbsp. butter

Directions:
1. Prepare picrust mix following package directions. Shape into ball. Wrap in wax paper; refrigerate 30 min. OR prepare homemade pie crust.*
2. Preheat oven to hot (400 degrees).
3. Divide pastry in half. Roll out one-half on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle. Fit into 9-inch pie plate.
4. Combine sugar, flour and orange rind in large bowl. toss with strawberries, rhubarb and orange juice. Scrape into bottom crust. Dot w/ butter.
5. Roll out remaining pastry into 11-inch circle. Place over filling. Seal edges; trim and flute. Cut slits in top for vents.
6. Bake in preheated oven (400 degrees) for 50-60 min. until top is nicely browned. IF edges brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil. Cool pie on wire rack. Serve at room temperature.

If the filling looks too runny add 2Tbsp. tapioca pearls to filling mix and let stand 30 min. before finishing pie preparation.

Homemade Crust Recipe from Grammies:
2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. COLD Crisco or oleo (shortening)
dash salt
4-5 Tbsp. ICE COLD water

Combine flour and salt in bowl. Cut in shortening with pastry blender . Add water one Tbsp. at a time, using more or less if necessary. Dough should be flakey yet sticky and not too wet. If dough is too wet add a little more flour. Prepare crust as directed above. Dab a little milk on the unbaked crust right before the pie goes into oven and sprinkle lightly with sugar. This will aid in browning.

This crust recipe has never failed me!