Few things require as much care in baking as pastry. Before baking it should be thoroughly chilled. Light the oven burners ten minutes before putting in the pastry and in five minutes regulate the heat by turning off, if necessary, some of the gas; about 500°, or a temperature suitable for baking powder biscuits, will be found suitable for pastry.

Place the pie or patties on the middle slide of the gas range oven, and when well puffed up (in about twelve minutes) turn off some of the gas and finish baking at a lower temperature (about 420°).

In baking pattie shells they should be well puffed up at the end of twelve or fifteen minutes; at that time reduce the heat and slip a thin sheet of asbestos under the pan, or on the shelf below them, to prevent them from scorching on the bottom.