Depending on your taste buds, I have made a vegan pie crust with coconut oil that turns out wonderfully. I have used it in pecan and apple pies. I wouldn't recommend using it with a vegetarian pot pie. I tried that and didn't like the coconut flavor mixed with the vegetables.
2 1/4 cup ap flour
1/2 cup coconut oil (should be solid not liquid)
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1/3 - 1/2 cup water (i suspect the vodka substitution would work here too)
Good luck!
p.s. smart balance makes vegan butter which i believe is lactose free
September 10, 2014 at 11:41am
In reply to Thank you, PJ, for doing the test between butter and shortening… by Tiara in Washington (not verified)