Lady Locks
Lady Locks are delicate, cream-filled pastries with a crisp shell and sweet vanilla filling, perfect for special occasions or elegant teatime treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook 3 cups of flour and 2 cups of milk over medium heat until thick and cool.
- While the mixture cools, cream together 1/4 cup of Crisco, 1/2 cup of butter or oleo, and 1 pound of confectioners sugar until smooth.
- Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla to the creamed mixture.
- Gradually add the cooled flour and milk paste to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Using a pastry bag, pipe the mixture into thin strips onto greased baking sheets.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before filling with the vanilla cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your flour and milk mixture is completely cool before combining it with the creamed ingredients to prevent melting the butter. If you don’t have Crisco, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. To add a twist, consider incorporating a hint of almond extract alongside the vanilla for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lady Locks as a delightful dessert at your next gathering, or alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an elegant afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with Forrest'S Favorite Vanilla Cupcakes for a sweet spread. Consider adding fresh berries on the side for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Lady Locks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lady Locks contains roughly 1034 calories, with 6g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, as butter can yield a softer pastry.
What should I do if the pastry strips are too thick?
If your strips are too thick, they may not cook evenly. Use a piping bag with a smaller tip to create thinner strips. Alternatively, you can roll the dough out and cut it into strips with a knife for more uniformity.
How can I make the filling more flavorful?
To enhance the filling, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest or a dash of espresso powder to the vanilla cream. These additions provide a delightful contrast and elevate the overall taste profile of the Lady Locks.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).