One of the most common problems that pastry makers all over the world worry about is the Soggy Pastry issue. However, this issue can be easily and totally avoided by understanding the causes that lead to a soggy pastry. Given below are some of the tips that you can follow.
If you do not have an expertise in the art of making pastry then it is highly advisable that you stick to the exact amounts mentioned in the recipes. Glass based dishes have been reported to be the most appropriate ones for making perfect pastries. To avoid soggy pastries, ensure that the pastry is prepared in a cool and clean place and avoid wet surfaces as far as possible.
Always allow the fillings to completely cool down before adding them to the pastry. This is done so as to prevent the steam from getting condensed and moisturizing the pastry, which in turn leads to soggy pastries. It is always a good idea to cook your pastry in the lower third of oven. This will help you to cook the base without over browning the top. Some people also add aluminum foil. This is done so as to delay the browning of the top.
Another common technique employed by many people is to blind bake the pastry first as it prevents your pastry from becoming soggy but in this case you will have to add a cold filling. Ensure that there is plenty of ventilation while cooling the pastry. In most cases people leave the pastry to cool in the bake ware itself thereby trapping the heat within the system. It is always better to cool the pastry on a wire cooling rack as it gives enough ventilation for the heat to escape and not get trapped inside the pastry.
Coating the surface of the pastry is also practiced by many to prevent soggy pastries. The coatings could be apricot jam or equal amounts of sugar mixed with flour. Based on your preference of taste and look, you can also contemplate adding milk, dark or white chocolate. White chocolate has been reported to add little taste. However, white chocolate acts as a very good sealant. You can also use egg white as a sealant. You need to brush it on the surface of the pastry.
Thus with just a little bit of effort and presence of mind, you can solve the issues that leads to your pastry becoming soggy and enjoy your delicious preparation.
