Pastry Crust

Pastry Crust Recipe from Haiti: Flour, Butter, Salt, Shortening

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pastry crust is a versatile and delicious base for a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Whether you're making a quiche, pie, or hand pie, a good pastry crust can make all the difference in the final product.

History

The origins of pastry crust can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where early forms of pastry were made with flour, water, and fat. Over time, different cultures developed their own variations of pastry crust, using ingredients like butter, lard, or shortening to create a flaky and tender crust.

Ingredients

2 cups of flour
0.5 cup of butter
a pinch of salt
1 tbsp of crisco shortening
4 tbsp of water

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients together (except filling).
Place the dough on a floured surface and start rolling it into a rectangle, about 0.25" thick.
Cut the dough into squares.
Place a small amount of filling on one half of each square.
Fold the other half of the square over the filling to form a triangle.
Seal the edges by pressing a fork along the edges.
If the dough does not stick to itself, moisten the edges with a small amount of water and press again.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) until the tops of the pates are golden brown.
Suggestions for fillings: you can use any sloppy joe mix, chicken mixture, cheese spread, etc.

Variations

Use whole wheat flour for a healthier crust.
Add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
Experiment with different fats, such as coconut oil or olive oil, for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter or shortening is cold when making pastry crust, as this will help create a flaky texture.

- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make it tough. Mix the ingredients until just combined.

- Chill the dough before rolling it out, as this will help prevent shrinkage during baking.

- Use a light hand when rolling out the dough to avoid toughening it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pastry crust with your favorite filling, such as a savory meat mixture or a sweet fruit filling. Pair with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blind bake the crust before adding the filling for a crispier texture.

- Brush the crust with an egg wash before baking for a shiny finish.

- Use a food processor to quickly mix the dough ingredients together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Substitute vegetable shortening for a flakier crust.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free pastry crust.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the pastry dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Freeze unbaked pastry crusts for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Presentation Ideas

Cut pastry crust into decorative shapes before baking for a visually appealing dish. - Serve hand pies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair savory pastry crust with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

- Serve sweet pastry crust with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover pastry crust in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

- Reheat pastry crust in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pastry crust typically contains around 200-250 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Pastry crust is a carbohydrate-rich food, with each serving containing approximately 20-25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Pastry crust is also high in fats, with each serving containing around 10-15 grams of fat, depending on the type of fat used in the recipe.

Proteins

While pastry crust does not contain a significant amount of protein, each serving may provide around 2-3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pastry crust is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, but it may contain small amounts of iron, calcium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Pastry crust may contain allergens such as wheat, dairy, and nuts, depending on the recipe. Be sure to check the ingredients list for any potential allergens.

Summary

Pastry crust is a delicious and versatile base for a variety of dishes, but it is also high in carbohydrates and fats. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Pastry crust is a delicious and versatile base for a variety of dishes, from savory pies to sweet tarts. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flaky and tender crust that will elevate any dish. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and flavors to create your own unique pastry creations.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for pastry crust. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I was rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, searching for something new to try. As I sifted through the weathered cards and faded scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a small, yellowed piece of parchment tucked away in the corner.

Curious, I carefully unfolded the paper and my heart skipped a beat as I read the elegant script scrawled across the page. It was a recipe for the perfect pastry crust, passed down through generations of bakers in my family. I could hardly contain my excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the flaky, buttery goodness that awaited me.

I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special, a treasure trove of culinary wisdom that had been waiting patiently for me to discover it. With a renewed sense of purpose, I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing my kitchen for the task ahead.

As I measured out the flour and butter, I couldn't help but think back to the countless hours I had spent in my grandmother's kitchen, watching in awe as she effortlessly whipped up batch after batch of delectable treats. She had always been a master in the art of baking, her hands moving with a grace and precision that seemed almost magical to my young eyes.

I remembered how she would patiently guide me through the process, teaching me the importance of taking my time and paying attention to the little details that could make all the difference in the final product. Her words echoed in my mind as I rolled out the dough, her gentle voice urging me to be gentle and patient, to work the dough just so until it was perfect.

As the scent of butter and flour mingled in the air, I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. This was where I belonged, in the heart of my kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of my family's culinary legacy.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of waiting, the moment of truth arrived. I carefully placed the filled pie shell into the oven, watching with bated breath as it began to transform before my eyes. The aroma of freshly baked pastry filled the air, wrapping me in a cozy blanket of nostalgia and comfort.

When the timer finally chimed, I gingerly pulled the pie from the oven, a golden-brown masterpiece of flaky perfection. I couldn't resist taking a small taste, savoring the buttery richness that melted on my tongue with each bite. It was everything I had hoped for and more, a testament to the love and care that had gone into creating it.

As I sat down to enjoy a slice of my creation, I couldn't help but smile to myself. This recipe may have been a mere piece of paper, but in my heart, it was so much more. It was a connection to my past, a link to the generations of women who had come before me, each one adding their own touch to the culinary tapestry that now lay before me.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a cherished tradition that I would pass down to my own children and grandchildren. And as I savored the last bite of my pie, I whispered a silent thank you to the ancestors who had guided me to this moment, filling my heart with love and gratitude for all that they had given me.

For in that humble pastry crust, I found not just a recipe, but a piece of my family's history, a reminder of the strength and resilience that had carried us through the generations. And as I licked the crumbs from my fingers, I knew that this was a moment I would never forget, a memory that would forever be etched in my heart and in the flaky perfection of that delicious pastry crust.