Nana Funk'S Plain Pastry
A versatile and tender pastry dough perfect for double-crust pies or tarts. Its delicate texture and buttery flavor make it ideal for sweet or savory fillings. Easy to prepare with basic ingredients, this pastry suits both novice bakers and experienced cooks seeking a reliable crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour and salt.
- Work in the shortening using fingertips, a fork, knives, or a pastry blender.
- The mixture should resemble coarse meal.
- Avoid working it into a smooth, greasy paste.
- Add cold water gradually, mixing lightly, until the dough just holds together.
- This amount is sufficient for a double crust pie.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even flakier crust, try using chilled butter instead of shortening. You can also substitute half of the shortening with cream cheese for a richer flavor. Remember to handle the dough as little as possible to maintain its texture. If you're short on time, consider using store-bought crusts; however, nothing beats the taste of homemade as in Andrea'S Pie Crust(Makes 1 Pie).
Serving Suggestions
This pastry is perfect for both sweet and savory pies. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream for dessert or alongside a hearty salad for a savory dish. For a unique flavor experience, pair it with Hot Pepper Butter for a spicy kick. You can also use it as a base for quiches or pot pies.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pastry, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have baked pie leftovers, cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana Funk'S Plain Pastry contains roughly 814 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1749mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
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 make this pastry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it out.
What can I do if the dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly and not coming together, add a little more cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until it holds together. Be cautious not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to a tough crust.
Can I freeze the pastry dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.
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).