Very Good Puff Paste

Ingredients

• 1 pound all-purpose flour
• 1 pound unsalted butter
• ½ pint water
• 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. Remove excess water from the butter by squeezing it well and wringing it in a clean cloth.

3. Sift the flour to ensure it is perfectly dry.

4. Mix the flour with the butter and 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.

7. Dust with a little flour, fold the paste over, and roll out again.

8. Repeat the rolling and buttering process until you have rolled out the paste four times.

9. Dust flour over the paste and rolling pin each time to prevent sticking.

10. Handle the paste lightly and avoid pressing too hard with the rolling pin.

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