Use a couple of large spoons to turn and gently knead the dough. If you prefer, you may use your hands, but very briefly, as the warmth from your hands will harden the dough and cause it to be less flaky.
If you want to knead by hand: use only your fingerstips, which are cooler than the palm of your hand. Rinse your fingers first with cold water and dry them before touching the dough. Also, only knead as much as the dough requires to come together - less is definitely more when it comes to pastry.
Pastry Tips:
- If you find the dough too sticky: Sprinkle a little more flour over the dough as you knead it until it's drier but still elastic.
- If the dough is too crumbly and won't come together: it is probably too dry. Try adding another Tbsp. or two of cold water and knead it until holds together nicely.
