Basic Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar
• 125g unsalted butter, chilled, chopped
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon chilled water

Method

1. Process flour, sugar and butter together until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add yolk and chilled water. Process until pastry just comes together, adding more water if necessary.
2. Turn pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently until smooth. Shape into a 2cm-thick disc. Wrap in baking paper. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes or until firm enough to roll out.