HELP - HARD CRISP PASTRY!

Hi all,

Your assistance is required!

I am making pies with the Scotch Method (See below)

part flour (1kg)
1/4 or 1/3 fat that’s been frozen where ¼ =250g etc

1-tablespoon salt
2 cups or more of ice water
¼ to ½ cup of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
1 egg yolk

Mix in a bowl - NB: mix water & egg first

Grate the frozen fat then mix with flour till all the fat is coated with flour.
Do Not mix so that the fat melts or merges with the flour !!!

Then slowly add the rest of the mix.

Note: The layering of the pastry is achieved by how one grates the fat.
For example, The finer you grate the fat (the less mixing) the less layering, & the rougher you grate the fat the more layering.

My problem is that my pies are hard and almost "crispy" - I am not sure what to do to rectify the problem.

What would you suggest to use as the best pastry fat?

I have been advised to add additional salt to my pastry, what would the effects of that be?

Please note I am in Botswana, which has a dry and hot climate!

Please help, your assistance is greatly appreciated!

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Thanks for the update. It's always great to know - even for us in SA. I will be visiting Cape Town during this week and hopefully will have a chance to visit the Harbour House! Sounds great!

dpnpt: let us know where you eat and what you think! Enjoy visiting!

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Thanks for that. I'm now being lazy, because I guess I could "google" it, but do you perhaps have a tried and tested recipe for me to try and test?

Thanks

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PAO - wow, the berry pie sounds awesome! Sadly, I'm not much good at sweet pies (no cultural heritage for that I'm afraid! :)
KevinB, I do like a good apple pie - with a dash of caramel!

P Macias - SA being South Africa, sorry about that! Yes, the mutton curry pie is truly amazing. The one I like here has no veggies, simply soft tender mutton, with onion - not even potato. Another nice one is the Madagascan Pepper pie! Anyone have a recipe for something like that?

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Thanks for the advice.
I'll tell you what - I'll order 3 - and eat one just for you!
Lekker!

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Hi all

I love pies - savoury or sweet! I am wondering what those with allergies or those who are simply more health concious use for pastry.

Perhaps you can give me some ideas and / or recipes for your pastry.

Does anyone have a recipe using oats?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Here in SA, a "pie" is generally considered to be a Savoury delight, but I know in other countries it refers to sweet treats as well.

I would like to know what your favourite pie is.....savoury or sweet......which flavour has you drooling for more....and whether you generally make your own pies or buy them.

For me, my favourite savoury pie is Mutton Curry and my sweet treat would be anything with caramel or banana!

Feel free to post your favourite recipes here too.

Thanks

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