Pastry.

[Shemadee]

My granny used to make lovely Apple pies. I think it might be a mix of butter/mark and lard. That's what we were taught in domestic science. Her pastry was the same that we find round here in the West Midlands. In the south east shortcrust seemed to be the main type used.

[Nanto2girls]

If anyone is interested here is a recipe from a local baker for a sweet pastry. Put in your mixer 9ozs, butter or similar fat, 3ozs caster sugar, beat them together then beat in4 tabs of water, then add 1lb plain flour. It should all come together. Take out and rest in fridge. I must warn you that it is b....er to roll but worth it, family favourite, lovely for mince pies. I like puff pastry but it has to be warm for me but this pastry is good cold.

Thanks for that recipe Plant, I have never made sweet pastry, but have thought about giving it a go.

[ZIZI]

My grandfather made the most divine pastry. He always told me that my hands were too warm for pastry making ......

[Nanto2girls]

Many years ago,the second time I was pregnant, I remember making some scones, that weren't up to my usual standard.my friend said because I was pregnant, I was too heavy handed.
Thinking back, I do think there may have been some truth in it.

[Daisy]

My mother used to make lovely shortcrust pastry with just lard and SR flour, a pinch of salt and water.

I find in the Magaimix I get consistent results with half marge or butter and half lard. But they have to be straight from the fridge, well chilled.

[Nanto2girls]

Pastry can be made from some more modern spreads. Always had good results using flora original.

[Daisy]

Nanto - I've tried modern soft spreads, but they don't seem to work as well in my mixer. Perhaps it's just me! They're ok for cakes - I use Pure spread or Sainsbury's Free From in gluten- and dairy-free cakes, and that works really well.

[Libra Gran]

For sweet puddings I make all butter pastry,for meat pies etc I use Trex, it makes lovely pastry light and flaky.