Careme Pastry

I love cooking but have always resisted any wild urge to make my own puff pastry. For years I have used the usual supermarket versions that I’m sure you have used too. I have also been known to ask my local pastry shop to sell me a kilo of their uncooked puff pastry. Then I discovered Careme Pastry. If I find something I like, I’ll let you know.

Careme Pastry is made in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. William and Claire Wood are the proud owners. They make handcrafted pastry, using traditional methods from the best ingredients, free from additives, preservatives and colourings.

I went to a cooking class presented by Claire and her pastry chef recently. (See my article in Food for Thought) Hearing them talk about their pastries with such pride was inspiring. To have such a high quality product available as a freezer item is fantastic.

I love to make shortcrust pastry (with fond memories of my mother in the kitchen making apple pie) and am constantly trying out new versions, with varying degrees of success I hasten to add, but sometimes it feels so good to know I have a prepared one in the freezer ready to go.

Working with pastry is always a challenge. There are a few tricks that are worth knowing so Careme have created good step by step guides for using their pastries. I suggest you read the tips on their website and then have a try. The hints and pictures are great but you know the saying; practice makes perfect.

I have used all four pastries. My favourites are the puff pastry and sour cream shortcrust pastry. Careme’s website has great recipes and ideas and it can help you with stockists. If you have trouble tracking one down contact Careme directly. I get their newsletter regularly so subscribe and enjoy.

• www.caremepastry.com

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