Sunbeam PM040 Before using your pie maker, Making pies in your pie maker, Cutting the pastry

Before using your pie maker.

Before using your pie maker for the first time, the non-stick plates must be seasoned to protect the non-stick surface.

Plug the power cord into a 230/240 volt power outlet and turn the power ON. Pre-heat the pie maker for 5 minutes. Season the plates by applying a thin coat of cooking oil, butter or margarine onto the surface and rub in with paper towelling.

After this initial seasoning, there is no need to season the-plates after each use as the pastry leaves the plates slightly seasoned.

Note: When using your pie maker for the first time, you may notice a fine smoke haze being emitted. This is normal and is due to the initial heating of the internal components.

Making pies in your pie maker.

What type of pastry can be used?

There is a wide selection of ready rolled pastry available in your supermarket freezer, such as shortcrust, puff, butter puff and wholemeal pastry. These pastries give great results and are handy to keep in your freezer.

We recommend that you use Pampas Puff Pastry for your pastry top combined with a Pampas Shortcrust Pastry base, for best results.

However, shortcrust pastry or puff pastry can be used for both the tops and bases of your pies.

For a light and more buttery taste, use Pampas Butter Puff Pastry for your pastry top, combined with a shortcrust pastry base. This combination is ideal for desserts. Homemade pastry can also be used. A recipe for homemade pastry is on page 12.

Pre-heat the pie maker for 5 minutes, and defrost your frozen ready rolled pastry while preparing your pies.

Cutting the pastry.

Use the special Pie cutters provided to cut the pastry tops and bases for your pies. The small cutter is for the top and the large cutter is for the base.

To cut your pastry pieces, position the cutter on a flat sheet of pastry and cut by pressing down into the pastry. Ensure the cut is smooth around the edges.

Make two 30mm slits in the pastry base to make it easier to place it in the pie maker. See Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Note: Each sheet of Pampas ready rolled pastry is enough for 5 pastry tops or 4 pastry bases, although more can be made by using leftover pieces. One packet of ready rolled Pampas pastry, is sufficient to make approximately 10 pies.

5