Shortcrust Pastry

Submitted by BajanDude

A fundemental pastry used for tarts and pies.

Ingredients

 * 500g plain flour
 * 125g butter or margarine (chilled, but soft, and in small cubes/slivers)
 * 125g lard (chilled, but soft, and in small cubes/slivers)
 * Pinch of salt
 * Cold water (about 4 tbsp)

Directions

 * 1) Add the salt to the flour and blend with a fork or mixer to distribute thoroughly.
 * 2) Rub the fat into the flour.
 * 3) Slowly add the water, blending the mix all of the time (like making bread).
 * 4) Once a ball has been achieved, and it sticks together without being wet, or falling apart easily, cover and chill in the fridge for 15 - 30 minutes.
 * 5) Freeze or use (or eat if you're a raw pastry fan).