For Quick Puff Pastry: ======================

In a mixing bowl or mixer, roughly combine the flour, salt and butter, breaking up the butter slightly (there should be visible chunks). Gradually add just enough cold water to hold the dough together. Do Not Overwork.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and roll it into a rectangular shape about 9 by 12 inches. Dust the board, dough, and rolling pin with flour as often as necessary to prevent sticking. Starting with the closest short end, fold the dough into thirds as you would a letter. Rotate the dough so the open side is at your right. Repeat, rolling the dough into a rectangle, folding it into thirds and rotating is as before. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface with the open side at your right. Roll the dough into a rectangle as before. Now bring the two short ends together to meet in the center of the dough, then fold the dough in half again toward you. Rotate a 1/4 turn, so the open side is again at your right. Repeat, rolling the dough into a rectangle, folding in half, then in half again, and rotating a 1/4 turn. Wrap the dough and chill again for at least 1 hour.

Chef: Andre Soltner, Lutece Restaurant, New York