There is something special about pastry. It is the golden layer that turns simple ingredients into something comforting and memorable. Whether it is a flaky sausage roll, a buttery croissant or a perfectly baked pie, pastry has a way of making people stop and smile.
National Pastry Day is a lovely excuse to celebrate everything we love about this versatile favourite. It is one of those foods that fits every mood and every season. A hot pasty on a cold winter’s day, a fruit tart shared over coffee, or a warm Scotch pie at a football game. Pastry makes ordinary moments feel a little more indulgent.
What makes pastry so special is how it connects generations. Many of us remember learning to roll dough in the kitchen with a parent or grandparent, dusted in flour and sneaking bits of leftover pastry to make our own tiny pies. The smell of pastry baking in the oven has a way of bringing everyone into the kitchen, curious and hungry. It is comfort food at its best.
There are so many ways to enjoy it, from savoury to sweet. Puff pastry gives us light, crisp layers that melt in the mouth, perfect for sausage rolls or cheese and onion slices. Shortcrust pastry is sturdier and ideal for pies and quiches. Then there’s choux pastry, used to make eclairs or profiteroles, filled with cream and topped with chocolate. Each type of pastry has its own magic, and each one tells a story of care and craftsmanship.
Making pastry from scratch can feel daunting, but it is much easier than people think. The key is to keep things cold and take your time. Butter should be firm, and the dough should be handled gently so it stays light and flaky. There is real satisfaction in seeing your own pastry puff up in the oven, golden and crisp at the edges.
If you are tempted to try your hand at it this National Pastry Day, here is a simple recipe that always feels like a treat.
Homemade Apple Turnovers
Ingredients
- 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Half a teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten for glazing
- A little icing sugar for dusting
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a pan, then add the apples, sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Cut the puff pastry sheet into four squares. Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the centre of each one.
- Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush with beaten egg and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly and dust with icing sugar before serving.
They are simple, quick and smell incredible as they bake. Serve warm with cream, custard or even a scoop of ice cream.
Pastry is one of those rare things that feels both humble and luxurious at the same time. It can be as simple as a meat pie from the local bakery or as elegant as a hand-crafted tart in a restaurant. Whatever form it takes, pastry is always about comfort and care.
At Inspire Catering, we believe that good food is about more than flavour. It is about the memories made around it. Pastry often appears at some of life’s best moments, the smell of sausage rolls fresh from the oven at a family party, the first mince pie of the Christmas season, or a flaky Danish shared over morning coffee. It brings people together in the best possible way.
So, this National Pastry Day, take a moment to enjoy it. Whether you are baking at home, visiting your favourite café or sampling a new creation from our talented chefs, let yourself savour every bite. There is joy in something so simple and timeless.