A good sweet paste (chef’s term, ladies and gents) is a must-have in every chef’s repertoire. The versatility of this means you can make any pie, tart and strudel your stomach desires. This recipe is easy to jazz up too; try some finely chopped rosemary with your apple pie, maybe switch a spoonful of flour for cocoa powder for a cracking chocolate pastry. Plain or jazzy, this is quick and easy to do and a good recipe to know.

Ingredients

• 100g icing sugar
• 250g plain flour
• 100g salted butter
• 2 yolks
• 1 egg

You need to make sure your butter is completely cold before you start, this’ll just make the mixing so much easier. In a mixing bowl weigh in your flour sugar and cubed butter. Either mix on a slow speed if using an electric mixer or rub between your finger until everything is incorporated, you should be able to squeeze a handful and it’ll keep it’s crumbly shape. Just. Next mix in your egg and yolks. Tip it all out onto a heavily floured surface and give it a good knead until you have a smooth dough. Chill until needed and you’re good to go. There, easy.