The trick of this type of pastry is that the fat will form little pockets of fat within the dough. Then, when the dough is baked, this fat will melt away. As a result, the crust will have a layered texture of various dough layers on top of one another, separated by empty pockets where formerly the fat sat.
What happens to pastry when cooked?
Towards the end of cooking, when the surface of the pastry has reached a high enough temperature, Maillard browning reactions will start. Brushing the pastry surface with raw egg will add to these reactions and also forms a waterproof layer, which is again useful in blind baking.
Why does shortcrust pastry shrink when cooked?
Shortcrust pastry (pie crust) shrinks when baked as the glutens in the flour tend to contract in the heat of the oven. These glutens are protiens in the flour which form into strands when the flour is mixed with liquid.
Do you cook shortcrust pastry before adding filling?
To prevent them becoming soggy, shortcrust pastry cases need to be partially cooked before adding moist fillings. This process, known as blind baking, which seals the surface and results in a crisp pastry case.
How do you know when shortcrust pastry is cooked?
Trim off edges with a sharp knife. Make a small hole in the top of the pie to allow the steam to escape. Brush top with beaten egg and bake for 30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. This pie may be eaten hot or cold.
Can I leave pastry in the fridge overnight?
The good news is that as long as the dough is left in the fridge it should keep for 24 hours. When you want to roll out the dough let it sit out of the fridge for about 30 minutes to warm up slightly, fridge-cold dough tends to crack easily when you start rolling it out. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why is it important to chill the pastry in the fridge?
Pastry must always be chilled in a fridge after making. This helps it to relax which in turn will help to prevent it shrinking on baking. Additionally, instead of trimming excess pastry from a tart case before baking blind you could also leave it overhanging the tin.
What temperature do you cook shortcrust pastry on?
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Fill the pastry case with a round of baking paper and add baking beans (see tip) to weigh it down. Bake for 15 mins, then carefully remove the paper and beans and cook the pastry for 5 mins more (this is called baking blind).
Why did my pastry melt in the oven?
When adding the water to the butter and flour, use very cold water and add it a tablespoonful at a time. If it’s too crumbly, add a little more water. … If you’re in a warm kitchen, the fat in pastry can melt easily and stick your pastry to the work surface, so this is why people will often add extra flour.
Should you trim pastry before or after cooking?
Don’t trim the rim of the pastry before baking
Leave a 1cm overhang to allow for shrinkage and curl it over the rim of the tin, pinching it lightly so it grips the edges. Trim after baking using a sharp knife.
When should you not blind bake?
There are two times when blind baking is necessary: when we’re making a custard pie or when the pie filling is unbaked. With a custard pie, like a pumpkin pie, the moisture in the filling can make the crust soggy before it has time to actually bake.
How do you cook ready rolled shortcrust pastry?
Cooking Instructions
Instructions: 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6 10-15 mins. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before use. Unroll pastry, leave on baking sheet provided and cut to required size. Place on a baking tray in the centre of a pre-heated oven for 10-15 minutes or as stated in your recipe.
How long does ready made pastry take to cook?
Bake the pastries at 425°F until puffed: Bake just until you see them puff up and just start to brown, roughly 10 minutes. Baking time will vary based on the size of your pastries and their filling, so keep an eye on them.
Do you put egg wash on shortcrust pastry?
In either case, if you’re making a pie that has a top crust, I would recommend an egg wash before you bake, to give the crust a pleasant sheen. To do this, beat an egg with a little bit of water. And then, with a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg over the crust right before it goes in the oven.
Does shortcrust pastry need egg wash?
Just before sliding puff pastry, pâte à choux, a double-crusted pie, or a loaf of bread into the oven, most bakers brush the top of the pastry with an egg wash. … Since there is protein in both the yolk and the white, any whole egg or yolk will make the crust both shiny and brown.
How long do you blind bake pastry for?
Line the tart tin with baking parchment and fill with ceramic baking beans or dried pulses. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is firm, then remove the beans and cook for about 5 minutes more, until golden brown and biscuity.