Why brush pastry with egg/milk?

[gretagrape]

I can't use egg or milk so does it matter if I leave this step out? Is it just to add a nice glaze or does it serve a purpose?

It isn't essential but it helps the pastry to crisp and brown. If you can't use dairy you can use soya milk instead - it works just as well.

It adds colour to the finished pastry, or it looks a bit anaemic when it comes out of the oven.

Ok, thanks, that's good to know - anaemic pastry it is then!