Sweet Pastry Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4-5 tablespoons ice water 4-5 tablespoons ice water
• 4 cups (500g) fresh fruits (e.g., apples, berries) 4 cups (500g) fresh fruits (e.g., apples, berries)
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 37g (Sugar: 20g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the fresh fruits, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared pie crust.
5. 5.
   Bake the Sweet Pastry in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fresh fruits — Ensure the fruits are ripe and of good quality for the best flavor and texture.
• Butter — Use cold butter and cube it before incorporating it into the dough to achieve a flaky pastry crust.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the filling for added crunch.
• If the crust starts to brown too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Experiment with different fruit combinations, such as apples and blackberries or strawberries and rhubarb, to create your own unique flavor profiles.
• Serve the Sweet Pastry with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Sweet Pastry warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm pastry and the cold creamy accompaniment enhances the overall experience.

Presentation advice

To present the Sweet Pastry, cut it into wedges and arrange them on a serving platter. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few berries for a pop of color.