When you use softened, room temperature butter, or even butter that's been out of the refrigerator for more than five minutes ...

But, with its 15-20% water as opposed to the 100% fat of the others ... Prick crust with a fork (or use pie weights) and bake ...

A game pie always makes a spectacular centrepiece and this handsome example is amazingly straightforward to make – especially if you buy mixed game meat ready-prepared from a good butcher.

It's not always easy choosing picnic food that will travel well and taste good cold but a pie always goes down well with a hungry crowd. Hot water pastry is fun to make — warm, pliable and easy ...