Basic Sweet Pastry

How to make Basic Sweet Pastry Recipe

Ingredients:
170g butter, softened
85g sugar
1 small egg
4 drops vanilla extract
zest of ½ lemon
260g standard plain flour

Method:
In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat butter and sugar with a wooden spoon until a light creamy consistency has been achieved. Add egg, vanilla and lemon zest and mix until combined. Add flour and mix to a paste just until paste comes clean off the bowl. Be careful not to over-mix or the pastry will become too elastic and doughy. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or, even better, overnight.

Before using, gently re-work pastry, taking care to ensure it remains cold and firm.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out pastry into a sheet about 3mm thick or as stated in your recipe.