I bought a pack of Jus-Rol frozen shortcrust pastry blocks ages ago, stuffed it in the freezer and forgot all about my pie-making plans. (Prices for a kilo pack are around the £2.50 to £3 mark in most supermarkets).

Recently I dug it out, with a vision of pasties. I let one block (500g) thaw overnight and when I came to use it in the morning, was pleased with the texture and consistency of the pastry dough. It had survived a lengthy spell in the freezer (longer than the recommended year or so - oops!) with no ill effects, neither being too soggy or too dry for use. The pastry thaws within an hour or so to a workable dough, so doesn't require as much time as I gave it. I have also defrosted another block using the microwave since, although that isn't a recommended method on the packet. As long as you're careful, I can't see any reason why not to speed up the process this way if you're in a hurry for pastry.

The shortcrust pastry is a pale beige colour, and on a lightly floured surface rolls out easily and smoothly. It smells of nothing in particular, just normal pastry.

I managed to get six small pasties out of the rolled pastry, with a bit left over for marking which was which with initials (and for the cat who fancied a bit, and who am I to deny him?). I made proper Cornish pasties (if only in the sense that they were made in Cornwall!) My choice of fillings was slightly unusual, although you could say quite traditional: left-overs, just like the tin-miners used to have. I didn't go so far as to put a dessert in one end, however!

Then it was into the oven for 20 minutes or so at 150 degrees, until the pastry was an appetising golden brown. How long you cooked yours for would depend on what you were making. The pastry is ideal for all sorts of pies and there's usually a recipe suggestion on the pack, currently 'Quick Plum & Apple Tarts'. You can also access the Jus-Rol website for ideas and demonstrations.

The taste of the pastry was very nice, complementing the contents beautifully. It was light and crumbly in the mouth, almost biscuity, while filling. The pasties were a really successful meal that the children enjoyed as well.

I was very happy with the results I got with this product and I have used it again several times recently. It's very easy to use, is very convenient and tastes pretty good. I can't help but feel I'm cheating (since I am!) but would totally recommend it. It saves all the faff of making pastry yourself and comes out well every time. It's a great thing to use when you want to knock up a quick yet filling meal using left-overs or bits & pieces.

The pastry is suitable for most people including vegans, (although it wouldn't suit anyone with a wheat intolerance being mostly flour & vegetable fat). Further information on this and other Jus-Rol products are available on the Jus-Rol website.