Fat and taste i think
The function of lard in pastries is to make your pastry nice and flaky.If a recipe tells you to use only lard, use half lard and half butter. You won't be disappointed. :)
what does lard do in cooking
same as butter really' makes the pastry flaky and holds the mixture together
Yes, you can use part butter and part lard in pastry. This combination can enhance the flavor and texture of the pastry, as butter adds richness and lard contributes flakiness. Just be mindful of the proportions, as too much lard can make the pastry overly greasy. Adjusting the ratio to your taste can yield delicious results.
Make the pastry using shortening, instead of lard.
Lard and hydrogenated shortening are considered the best fats for making pastry because they create a tender, flaky texture. Both fats have a high melting point, which helps to form layers in the dough as they melt during baking. This results in a desirable lightness and crispness in the finished pastry. Additionally, lard provides a rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pastry.
For shortcrust pastry, using a combination of half margarine and half lard is generally preferred. This blend provides a balance of flavor and texture, resulting in a flakier and more tender crust compared to using margarine alone. Lard contributes to a richer taste and improves the pastry's overall structure, making it easier to roll out and shape.
Lard can be used to replace butter in shortcrust pastry recipes and gives good results. The most effective method is to substitute half the specified butter quantity with lard, rather than use lard entirely.
Beef fat and lard are used less in cooking since the introduction of hydrogenated vegetable oils.
To give the pastry substance and body.
To obtain a flaky pastry. The hard fat (butter or lard) does not melt into the flour but creates many layers of fat separated by flour. These layers become flakes when the pastry is baked.
Yes, you can use dripping instead of lard in pastry for mince pies. Dripping, which is rendered fat from meat, can add a rich flavor and a flaky texture similar to lard. However, it may impart a slightly different taste, so it's best to consider the overall flavor profile of your mince pies. Adjustments to seasoning or additional ingredients may be needed to balance the flavors.