Step 1

For the crust:

Step 2

Sift flour and salt together into a large bowl.

Step 3

Using a food processor, a pastry blender or two knives and a good amount of patience, cut the butter into the flour.

Step 4

Add water and vodka stirring after each addition until the dough comes together.

Step 5

Form into a ball and cut it in half.

Step 6

Flatten each half into a disc, wrap them in wax paper and refrigerate for at least half an hour before baking.

Step 7

You will only need one half for this recipe, so feel free to freeze the other half for future pie emergencies.

Step 8

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375°

Step 9

Place pastry on a well-floured surface and using a well-floured rolling pin, roll out the pastry to fit a 9-inch pie plate.

Step 10

Place pastry into the pie plate and trim and crimp the edges.

Step 11

Prick the dough several times with a fork.

Step 12

Wrap tin foil around the pastry and fill the center with pie weights or dried beans.

Step 13

Place in the center of the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 14

Remove weights and tin foil and bake for an additional nine minutes or until golden brown.

Step 15

Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 16

For the Filling:

Step 17

In a medium sized bowl whisk together condensed milk, cornstarch and salt.

Step 18

Add egg yolks one at a time, whisking until combined after each addition. Set aside.

Step 19

In a medium sized saucepan melt butter over moderate heat.

Step 20

Add brown sugar and allow to bubble slightly.

Step 21

Slowly whisk in milk.

Step 22

Add egg mixture slowly, whisking constantly.

Step 23

Bring back to a boil while whisking the mixture.

Step 24

Once the mixture is boiling, let it cook while stirring for approximately one minute or until thick.

Step 25

Remove from heat and stir in whiskey.

Step 26

Pour into a cooled pie shell and cover with plastic wrap.

Step 27

Place in the fridge and let set for four hours.

Step 28

You may serve the pie with whipped cream if you wish, but I find it so rich that I like to eat it au naturale.