Pastry
Pastry
Pastry
As the dough is
rolled out, the fat
and flour become
layered together.
As the pie crust bakes, the fat layer melts away and air
pockets form in their place. The new layers of air pockets
plus the flour layers form “flakes”.
Flour provides the
structure of the Liquids add the moisture
product. Over- and hold the dough
measuring flour together… part of the
creates “toughness”. structure. The most common
Flour contains a is water, milk adds flavor and
protein called gluten. nutrients. Too much liquid
This can also cause a causes the product to
tough product if over- become soggy or sticky.
worked.
Ingredients may include one or more kinds of fat… animal
fats such as lard or butter create the flakiest pastry; or
vegetable fats such as shortening or margarine that create
a mealy pastry. Even oils might be used, especially to cut
levels of cholesterol. Fat creates “tenderness”. Too much
fat makes the product crumbly or greasy. If using lard,
decrease the amount of fat by 15-20%.