Base: shortcrust pastry

The book Huisgemaakt by La Place is full of delicious things you can make yourself at home, including pies. The base for these pies is often this recipe: La Place shortcrust pastry. 

Method

1 In a food processor: place the butter cubes, sugar, lemon zest, salt, egg and water in the mixing bowl and mix until smooth. By hand: sift the flour with the brown sugar and salt into a mound on the work surface. Make a well in the centre and place the butter in it. Crack the egg into the well and add the lemon zest.

2 In the machine: sift the flour and baking powder over the mixing bowl and mix briefly until a smooth dough forms. Shape it into a ball. By hand: mix the butter, egg and lemon zest together with one hand or a dough scraper. Gradually add some flour from the sides of the well to the egg-and-butter mixture and mix well. Once all the flour has been incorporated into the dough, knead it into a firm ball.

3 Shape the dough into a square slab and wrap it tightly in cling film. Leave to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until ready to use.

4 Made a little too much dough? Freeze it for next time. Make sure to thaw the dough thoroughly before using it.

Title: Huisgemaakt
Author: La Place
Publisher: Fontaine Uitgevers
Price: €19,95