Mortal(adj) subject to death; destined to die; as, man is mortal. Mortal(adj) destructive to life; causing or occasioning death; terminating life; exposing to or deserving death; deadly; as, a mortal wound; a mortal sin. Mortal(adj) fatally vulnerable; vital. Mortal(adj) of or pertaining to the time of death. Mortal(adj) affecting as if with power to kill; deathly. Mortal(adj) human; belonging to man, who is mortal; as, mortal wit or knowledge; mortal power. Mortal(adj) very painful or tedious; wearisome; as, a sermon lasting two mortal hours.
Shortcrust pastry is a type of pastry often used for the base of a tart, quiche or pie. It does not puff up during baking because it usually contains no leavening agent. It is possible to make shortcrust pastry with self-raising flour, however.
Puff pastry is a light, flaky and tender pastry made by mixing flour, water and salt into a dough and adding layers of fat. It is used to make pies, pasties, vol au vents, savouries and desserts. There are many ways of making puff pastry. The aim is to produce a paste with many alternating layers of dough and fat which rise and form a layered pastry when baked. Specialist bakers and pastry cooks have their own way of making puff pastry.