Rich Shortcrust Pastry Recipe

Ingredients: Makes 350 g / 12 oz

150g/5 oz plain (all-purpose) flour
A pinch of salt
75 g/3 oz unsalted (sweet) butter or margarine
1 egg yolk
10 ml/2 tsp caster (superfine) sugar

45-60 ml/3—4 tbsp cold water

Method:

Mix together the flour and salt in a bowl, then rub in the butter or margarine until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Beat together the egg yolk, sugar and 10 ml/2 tsp of the water in a small bowl, then stir into the flour with a round-bladed knife, adding enough extra water to make a soft dough. Press into a ball, turn on to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Wrap in clingfilm (plastic wrap) and chill for 30 minutes before use.