Pastry is one of those things that doesn’t work perfectly well if the weather is not co-operating. Given that we have had a very hot summer, and mince pies needed making, I worked on adapting this recipe from Paul Hollywood until it could be used in any climate.
Paul Hollywood’s Pastry
On the 9th of November I went to Spec Savers to sort out my new multifocal lenses which necessitated a new frame. When I arrived, the technician could not find my file with my most recent script. She eventually found three files for me, and the newest one did not have the latest examination records. Once she had sorted out this issue, and I had waited 40 minutes, she measured up the glasses for the new lenses. To apologize for the wait, I was also given a pair of distance sunglasses at no extra charge. I paid the deposit for my glasses and was told it would take plus minus 10 working days. A month later I still did not have my glasses. Eventually on the 11th of December I went in to collect them. The junior technician fitted my glasses and I told her there and then that I could not see anything properly in the mid distance range. I was advised that my eyes would get used to the lenses and battled the entire weekend with them. I went back on the Monday for a second adjustment, and that was as bad, if not worse. So then I had to make a follow up appointment with the optometrist and he adjusted the frames. The mid distance was no good, but he expected this as my eyes have too wide a gap between my short distance and far sighted vision. I was seriously unimpressed as we were now about to embark on our December leave and he knew this before selling me the multifocal lenses. But, nothing could be done about sorting the issue out in December or early January. I had to make a third appointment to see the optometrist on the 14th of January and I was told that the best lens for me was one that only did multifocal for the short and mid distance range. I was told there would be another 10 to 14 working days wait and eventually my glasses were ready on the 28th of January. The adjustment was not perfect the first time, and I had to go back for this to be corrected. So, one pair of glasses took nearly 2 months and countless visits before I could see properly. This leaves one frustrated to say the least. Making pastry in summer can be just as frustrating, But after much experimentation, this adapted recipe from Paul Hollywood is one that won’t leave you feeling like you could have spent your baking time doing something else. It works a treat!
Rhubarb Crumble Cheesecake
Paul Hollywood's Pastry Author: Adapted from Paul Hollywood's 100 Great Breads page 140
Place all of the ingredients into a stand mixing bowl Using your whisk attachment, beat until smooth Turn out onto a lightly dusted surface and shape into a disc Cover with cling film and place in the fridge for 30 minutes Once you have lined your tin with your pastry, rest for a further 30 minutes in the fridge 3.5.3208
Click on the links for conversions and notes.
What I blogged February 25:
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About Tandy
Tandy is passionate about using regional, seasonable and sustainable produce when she cooks. She lives in Gordons Bay in a cottage with her husband, two dogs, a tortoise and a fish. Tandy and Dave are busy building a house which is an adventure all in itself. Each year they visit a new place to experience the food of the area and you can follow along on their adventures.
