Very Good Puff-paste

Ingredients

• 1 pound all-purpose flour
• 1 pound unsalted butter
• ½ pint water (adjust as needed)
• additional flour for dusting

Directions

The book gives no oven temperature. The 400°F (200°C) in the steps was added when the recipe was transcribed, as a starting point.

1. Weigh the flour and butter accurately.

2. Squeeze the butter to remove moisture, then wring it in a clean cloth.

3. Sift the flour to ensure it is dry.

4. In a clean surface, mix the flour with water using a knife to form a smooth paste.

5. Roll out the paste to about 1 inch thick.

6. Break 4 ounces of butter into small pieces and place on the paste, dust with flour.

7. Fold the paste over, roll out again, and add another 4 ounces of butter.

8. Repeat rolling and buttering until the paste has been rolled out four times.

9. Dust flour on the surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.

10. Handle the paste lightly and avoid pressing too hard.

11. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking.