How to make pie pastry

Method

1. To prepare the pastry, first sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Rub in the chilled butter with your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add the cold water and stir with a kitchen palette knife. Then, use your hands to bring the dough together. You should have a soft, rather than sticky, dough.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead lightly for a few moments until smooth. Once this is done, put it into a clean bowl, wrap it in cling film and chill for at least 20 minutes.
4. After chilling, roll out half the pastry on a lightly floured surface. This is going to line your pie tin and form the base that holds in your filling. To do this, make sure your tin is lightly greased before laying the pastry over it and pressing it gently into shape.
5. If creating a full pie lid, roll out your remaining pastry and lay the sheet over your filled pie base. Cut around the tin and press the lid pastry into the base so that the two sheets form a seal.
6. If creating a lattice lid, then roll out the remaining pastry and use the Lattice Pastry Roller to create the desired effect. Gently pull the pastry apart to open up the lattice. Lay this carefully over your filled pie base and seal the edges.
7. Brush the surface with a little milk for a golden finish upon baking.
8. Pie recipes:

   Now you know how to make pastry, it’s time to give pie making a go! Here are some easy and delicious recipes to get you started:

   Mince Pies:

   Our mincemeat-filled mini masterpieces make fabulously festive nibbly bits for Christmas parties and buffets, and lovely bake-to-give presents too.

   Cheese & Onion:

   With just two ingredients in the filling, this is a simple and unbeatable favourite. You’ll do this classic justice with your new-found pastry prowess.

   Salted Caramel and Banana Pie:

   Wrap up the evening with a slice of warm and indulgent pie. Top your caramel creation off with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.