McCracken: The Flaky Pastry Dough of the United Kingdom and Ireland

McCracken is a type of pastry dough that is commonly used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is made with flour, butter or lard, and water, and is often flavored with salt and sometimes sugar. The dough is rolled out and baked to create a flaky, crumbly texture that is similar to puff pastry.

McCracken is often used as a base for savory dishes such as quiches, pies, and tarts, as well as sweet pastries like scones and cakes. It can also be used to make decorative borders and designs on top of other pastries.

The name "McCracken" is thought to come from the Scottish Gaelic word "mhac-craicen," which means "son of the pastry." The term was originally used in Scotland and Ireland, but has since become more widely known throughout the UK and beyond.