Cornish Pasties
We could buy these at a local bakery where I was growing up. I loved them and would often detour by the bakery after school to get one.
We could buy these at a local bakery where I was growing up. I loved them and would often detour by the bakery after school to get one.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- salt and pepper
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- milk
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 6 tablespoons ice water (or more)
- 8 ounces lean ground beef
- 6 ounces boiling potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice
- 4 -5 tablespoons beef gravy or 4 -5 tablespoo
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme marjoram, sage)
- Carbohydrate 40.2225451252939 g
- Cholesterol 26.5105520216952 mg
- Fat 23.3459989417381 g
- Fiber 1.72616740526479 g
- Protein 9.92197092227288 g
- Saturated Fat 9.3112214039305 g
- Serving Size 1 1 pastie (113g)
- Sodium 659.560562462512 mg
- Sugar 38.4963777200291 g
- Trans Fat 1.35806551000836 g
- Calories 416 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine ½ cup flour, shortening, 6 tbsp ice water and salt in large bowl and beat well with large whisk or wooden spoon.
- Using fingertips, blend in remaining flour until mixture resembles coarse meal. If too dry, add up to 2 tbsp more ice water, a few drops at a time.
- Gather dough into ball. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- Combine beef, potatoes, onion and herbs and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stir in enough beef gravy to bind mixture.
- Roll dough out on lightly floured surface to thickness of 1/8 of an inch.
- Using 5-6 inch in diameter, round cutter, cut 10 circles.
- Preheat oven to 400degreesF.
- Lightly grease baking sheet.
- Mound meat mixture lightly in center of each circle; brush border with milk; fold dough in half over filling, pinching edges together to seal.
- Brush pastries with milk.
- Arrange on prepared sheet.
- Bake 10 minutes, reduce oven temperature to 340F and continue baking until pasties are light brown, about 45-50 minutes.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
A Taste of Home: My Cornish Pasties
The aroma of freshly baked bread, the comforting warmth of a cozy bakery – these are the sensory memories that flood back whenever I think of Cornish pasties. Growing up, our local bakery wasn't just a place to buy pastries; it was a destination, a weekly ritual, and a source of immense joy for a young girl with a sweet tooth (and a penchant for savory treats!). Every Friday after school, rain or shine, my best friend and I would make our way to the bakery. The rhythmic clang of the baker's rolling pin, the tempting display of golden-brown crusts, and the promise of a warm, meaty pasty – it was a magical experience that defined a significant part of my childhood. The Cornish pasties, with their flaky crust and savory filling, weren't just a snack; they were a symbol of community, friendship, and those carefree days of youthful exploration. The taste of that pasty transcends the mere ingredients; it holds the essence of that bakery, the laughter of my friends, and the enduring charm of simpler times. And even now, years later, recreating that recipe brings back those cherished memories.
The recipe itself is deceptively simple, requiring ingredients readily available in any kitchen. But the magic lies not just in the precise measurements of flour and shortening, or the careful folding of the dough, but in the love and care that go into each step. It's a recipe handed down, perhaps altered and adapted over the years, but it holds the heart of a tradition. It’s a testament to the culinary heritage passed down through generations, a connection to a time and place that holds a special significance in my heart. Each bite isn't just a savory delight; it's a journey back to those unforgettable afternoons, a reminder of the simple pleasures that shaped my life. The act of making these pasties isn't merely cooking; it's a mindful process, a moment to reconnect with those cherished memories and share them with loved ones, creating new traditions and stories around this simple, yet profound, dish.
More than just a recipe, the Cornish pasty represents the enduring power of food to evoke memories, connect us to our roots, and celebrate the simple joys of life. It's a taste of home, a comforting embrace from the past, and a delicious promise of shared moments with those we love. The flaky crust, the savory meat filling, the warmth that emanates from the oven – it's a sensory symphony that transports me back to a time of innocence and unadulterated happiness. And as I knead the dough, roll out the pastry, and fold it carefully over the seasoned meat, I'm not just preparing a meal; I'm preparing a journey into the past, a celebration of memories, and a promise of happiness that only a truly cherished dish can bring. The experience is enriched by the knowledge that each bite is a taste of my history, a connection to those formative years that still resonates strongly within me.
And so, I invite you to join me on this culinary journey, to embark on a taste of my past and create your own cherished memories with this timeless recipe. Let the aroma of baking pasties fill your kitchen, let the warmth of the oven comfort your soul, and let the taste transport you to a place of happiness and shared experiences. The Cornish pasty is more than just food; it's an experience, a story, and a testament to the enduring power of tradition and love.
