Fried Green Tomatoes

4 or 5 green tomatoes
1/3 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
dash of pepper (optional)
1/4 cup Crisco shortening

Remove stems ends from tomatoes and slice 1/2 inch thick. Combine flour, salt and pepper; dredge tomatoes in flour mixture.  Saute quickly in hot shortening until   brown on one side. Turn, reduce heat, and cook until soft. Move to warm serving platter.  Serve immediately.