Made some gluten-free pastry like concrete!

Fozz

My DD is trying out a wheat-free diet, and I bought some Doves Farm Gluten free flour. Tried a chocolate brownie recipe from their website which was gorgeous, then made some jam tarts with their pastry recipe and they were as hard as nails and had to go in the bin!
Has anyone else had any success with wheat free pastry? Wondered if adding something like mashed potato would soften it up a bit.
I also bought some Xantham Gum, perhaps I should have put some in?
Thought I'd ask for some advice before I waste any more flour!

Torry_Quine

I make pastry with gluten free flour and find that using an egg in the recipe makes for a good result.

Fozz

Thanks, will try that out!

Patchwork_Quilt

If it's sweet pastry, I put in a dessertspoon of sugar (ish) and a beaten egg.

Otherwise, I make pastry with Dove's wheat-free flour and butter, as usual. I always soften the butter, though, and use as little water as possible.

You could try Xanthan Gum but I find it tends to make things chewy.

Unfortunately, you might have to experiment a little. Good luck