Madam Benoit’s No Fail Lemon Tang Pastry
This delightful Lemon Tang Pastry recipe, inspired by the legendary Canadian cooking show host Madame Benoit, offers an uncomplicated approach to making delicious pastry. Known for its ease of use and consistent results, this no-fail pastry recipe has been a favorite for many home bakers since its introduction. With a hint of lemon, it brings a refreshing twist to your pies while also being freezer-friendly, allowing you to prepare ahead of time for those unexpected dessert cravings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you will find this recipe both accessible and rewarding.
Description
Madame Benoit, a culinary icon and graduate of the prestigious Cordon Bleu in Paris, crafted this recipe to make pastry preparation simple and enjoyable. The Lemon Tang Pastry features the vibrant flavor of lemon juice, which not only enhances the taste but also adds a lovely tang to your desserts. Originally shared in April 2004 and updated in September 2010, this pastry is perfect for creating 3 to 4 pies and can easily be halved for smaller batches.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 5 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1 cup | Lard (or shortening) |
| 3 tbsp | Lemon juice |
| Water | As needed |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2155 |
| Total Fat | 155.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 60.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 214.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1012.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 160.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g |
| Sugars | 1.1 g |
| Protein | 23.7 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring that the salt and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
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Incorporate the Lard: Next, cut in 1 pound of lard (or shortening) into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to blend the lard until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving the desired flakiness in the pastry.
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Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate measuring cup, crack 1 whole egg and add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Mix these together with a fork. Then, add enough cold water to fill the measuring cup to the one-cup mark. This mixture will provide moisture to your dough.
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Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough begins to form a ball. It’s important not to overwork the dough at this stage; just combine until the ingredients are incorporated.
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Chill the Dough: Once the dough is formed, divide it into portions that correspond to the size of the pie plates you plan to use. Shape these portions into balls and place them in a plastic bag. Refrigerate until you are ready to roll them out.
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Roll Out the Pastry: When you’re prepared to make your pies, roll out the dough between two sheets of wax paper. This technique helps create an even sheet of pastry without sticking, making it easier to transfer into pie plates.
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Yield: This recipe yields enough dough for approximately 3 to 4 double-crust pies, depending on the size of your pie pans. You can easily halve the recipe if you’re only making one pie.
Tips for Success
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Freezing the Dough: This pastry freezes beautifully, so consider making extra portions to have on hand for future pie-making adventures. Simply wrap the formed balls of dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer. When you need to use them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out.
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Adjusting for Sweetness: The recipe is versatile; if you’re looking to make a dessert that requires sweetness, consider adding a bit of sugar to the dough, adjusting it according to your taste preference.
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Variations: Experiment with flavors by substituting the lemon juice with other fruit juices, such as orange or lime, for a unique twist on this classic pastry.
Final Thoughts
Madame Benoit’s No Fail Lemon Tang Pastry is more than just a recipe; it is a testament to the joys of baking. With its simplicity and flexibility, you can create delightful pies for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to family dinners. Embrace the process, savor the flavors, and enjoy the compliments that are sure to come your way when you present your homemade pie, all thanks to this no-fail pastry recipe. Happy baking!
