Ala,
Today marked my first attempt into homemade pastry. We didn't have lard so it is an all butter shortcrust. The ratio is half fat to flour...I knew pastry was bad for you but wow! However this makes scaling up easier. I naturally have cold hands which I think makes it easier. I had to crumble in the butter from a height so it had lots of air worked through until it resembled sand. Then I used bottled water from the fridge to ensure it was cold adding a little at a time until it formed a dough. The dough ball was then divided into two and the first piece was rolled out to make the base. The filling was apple and blackberry and left quite tart for a fruity kick. Then the second piece of dough rolled out and laid on top of the filling. At this point there was a tear so my baking signature is the Harry Potter scar! Once cooked we left it too cool slightly before adding sugar and enjoying with single cream.
Delicious! Also made the boy a pasty for his tea tomorrow with left over roast dinner.
Polly x
