If you really care about pie crusts, finding a good source of leaf lard is the #1 requirement. I tried a few pre-rendered brands, and it was all expensive, not

If you really care about pie crusts, finding a good source of leaf lard is the #1 requirement. I tried a few pre-rendered brands, and it was all expensive, not particularly fresh, and tastes weird... Eventually I found a farmer who sells unrendered leaf lard, and after a few false starts at rendering it (too hot, and it'll taste too meaty), I've started making essentially perfect pie crusts.