Caribbean Nut Pastry

Ingredients

• 250 gflour
• 150 gnuts — chopped
• 100 gbutter
• 100 gsugar
• 1egg

Method

1. Begin by bringing the butter to room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough, ensuring a smooth and even texture. Leave the egg out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature, which helps it blend better with the other ingredients.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 g of flour and 100 g of sugar. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly with a wooden spoon or your hands to ensure even distribution of the sugar throughout the flour.
3. Chop 150 g of nuts into small, even pieces. You can use a variety of nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, depending on your preference. Add the chopped nuts to the flour and sugar mixture, stirring to incorporate them evenly.
4. Cut the 100 g of room-temperature butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This technique ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, creating a tender pastry.
5. Crack the room-temperature egg into a small bowl and lightly beat it with a fork. Gradually add the beaten egg to the flour and butter mixture, using your hands to bring the dough together. Knead gently until the dough forms a cohesive ball, being careful not to overwork it.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out and helping it maintain its shape during baking.
7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm. Use a pastry cutter or knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes, such as circles or squares.
8. Place the cut pastry pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are golden brown and the pastry is firm to the touch, which indicates that the pastry is fully cooked and has a delightful crisp texture.
9. Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can sprinkle additional sugar on top or drizzle with a simple syrup if desired. Serve the Caribbean Nut Pastry at room temperature, perfect for sharing at a family gathering.