Foolproof Flaky Butter Pastry

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Adapted from a new way to cook by sally schneider and found at splendidtable.com. note that there are methods for the food processor, by hand, and even a sweet pastry variation.

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Steps

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To make the dough in a food processor: in a food processor , combine the flour , sugar , salt , and baking powder , and process to mix.

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Add the butter and process until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.

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Put the work bowl in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.

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Add the sour cream to the flour mixture and process until the dough comes together in the bowl.

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Gather the dough into a ball and knead it several times on a lightly floured surface.

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Form it into a 1-inch-thick disk , wrap it in plastic , and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling.

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To make the dough by hand: in a medium bowl , combine the flour , sugar , salt , and baking powder.

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Add the butter and cut it into the flour with a pastry cutter or two knives until it resembles a very coarse meal.

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Alternatively , using a pinching motion , mix the butter into the flour with your fingers , then rub the butter and flour between the palms of both hands to blend it until the mixture is the texture of coarse meal.

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Ch.

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Ingredients

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unbleached all-purpose flour, sugar, kosher salt, baking powder, unsalted butter, sour cream