Great Grandma Johns Pasties

This recipe originated in Cornwall England, and was adapted by my Great Grandmother Johns. It was originally made for the coal miners and wrapped in butcher paper. The hard pastry shell would keep the juicy contents fresh until the miners were ready to eat. My Grandma would serve with relishes and Coca Cola. If you want to make these more quickly, you can use refrigerated pie crusts instead of the pastry recipe.

Step: 1

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cut in butter with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Stir in cold water with a fork until the mixture is able to come together in a ball. Knead a couple of times then divide pastry into two pieces. Pastry may be refrigerated for later use at this time.

Step: 2

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half of the pastry into a 10-inch circle.

Step: 3

Place half of the potato slices in a line down the center of each circle, leaving at least 1 inch at each end uncovered. Arrange onion slices over the potatoes, and season with salt, pepper and some of the dried parsley. Place half of the beef cubes over each onion layer, then season again with salt, pepper and dried parsley. Fold the edges over the pastry over the filling, and tuck in the ends.

Step: 4

Transfer the two pastries to a greased baking sheet, and cut a few slits in the top of each one for ventilation.

Step: 5

Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from the oven, and reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spoon 1 teaspoon of water into each slit on the tops of the pasties. Return to the oven, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve whole, or cut into halves.

Per Serving: 621 calories; protein 21.3g; carbohydrates 57g; fat 34g; cholesterol 45.4mg; sodium 186.1mg.

Prepare your food in advance can be extremely enjoyable when you do it with your likely music in the background , a soothing beverage of choice or even a partner. It is thoughtful to write every step you fell right to create the food , which may include everything from your tools and utensils to your ingredients . Be sure to list the ingredients in order , so as not to forget one . A handwritten list is typically best.

Bought the right kitchen tools is just as important as having the correct ingredients . This includes all of from pots, pans, bowls and utensils to those essential items that are sometimes to forget, like as parchment paper and foil. Items like squeeze bottles for adding the perfect drizzle or decoration to your main food and long tweezers to range smaller and thinner foods are a likely for any home chef.