The Secret to Short Crust Pastry

Blog Entry: Monday 08 Mar 2010

The Secret to Short Crust Pastry
Getting stuck into making pastry can be fun for all the family
Most of us would prefer to dish out the dough for pre-made pastry, but it's actually much simpler than you may think.

As long as you follow some expert advice, short crust pastry is one of the most delicious and rewarding things you can make, nothing tastes better than a piece of your own homemade pie!


To start, take 300g flour and a pinch of salt and sift into a large bowl. Then cut 100g of butter into cubes – remember, the butter needs to be unsalted and as cold as possible.


Next is the fun part! Using your fingers, gently rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Then add a beaten egg and stir slowly with a knife.


Gradually add iced water, while still stirring with the knife, until the mixture sticks together. Then you get your hands stuck in again and knead gently until the dough forms a ball.


Wrap the ball in cling film and pop in the fridge for 15 minutes. And voila! You have homemade, buttery short crust pastry, ready to roll out and get inventive with!


Let us know what you make with yours!

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