Low Fat Pastry

Combine flour and baking powder in a large mixing bowl, stirring together with a fork until evenly distributed.

Add vegetable shortening to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into small pea-sized pieces until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Add water gradually while stirring with a fork until the dough just comes together without being overly wet.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until it forms a cohesive ball.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface using a rolling pin, then cut into desired shapes using a knife or pastry cutter.

Place pastry pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is light golden brown and crispy.

Transfer pastry to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.