I have to admit that I’ve avoided making pastry for many years – until I discovered you could make it in the food processor (a revelation).   Not only is it super quick and easy this way, but it also avoids the whole over handling-over heating issue when making it by hand:

250g Plain Flour (sieved)
125g Unsalted Butter (straight from the fridge; cubed)
1 Egg (beaten)
1 Tbsp Cold Water (more if required)

  1. Put the flour and butter in a food processor and blitz until it turns to the consistency of breadcrumbs.
  2. Add the egg and water and continue to blitz until if self-forms a ball of dough (add more water a teaspoon at a time if required).
  3. Wrap in clingfilm and place in the fridge for at least 30 mins (longer if possible).

Posts that have used this recipe (or something similar):

Fruit Tarts
Chocolate and Pear Tart