How to make a lattice pie topping
Turn a tart into a masterpiece with our step-by-step guide to perfecting a gorgeous lattice topping.
1. Roll out the pastry to the thickness of a £1 coin and mark a circle about 5cm larger than your tin. Cut out 10 strips of pastry. TIP: The pastry needs to be cool, but not completely firm.
2. Using your 2 longest lengths, lay on the tart to make a cross in the centre – don’t attach to the edges. The strip that’s vertical as you look at it needs to be on top.
3. Lay 2 strips of pastry horizontally, either side of the horizontal strip.
4. Fold the middle horizontal strip back on itself to the right and put a vertical strip on the tart to the left of the folded back strip. Unfold the pastry strip back to its original position, then repeat on the other side.
5. Now repeat with the vertical strips: fold up the middle vertical strip, put a horizontal strip at the bottom, then fold back the middle strip.
6. Repeat at the top with the centre vertical strip, folding it down.
7. Fold horizontal strips of pastry on each side of the central strip right to left, and lay down the last vertical strip on the right. Fold back the strips, then repeat on the other side.
8. Press all the edges down and trim the excess. Brush the pastry with beaten egg, chill, brush again, then sprinkle lightly with brown sugar and bake as in our berry jam lattice tart.
Subscribe to our magazine
Food stories, skills and tested recipes, straight to your door... Enjoy 5 issues for just £5 with our special introductory offer.
SubscribeUnleash your inner chef
Looking for inspiration? Receive the latest recipes with our newsletter