Authentic Cornish Pasties

This is a delicious, simple pasty (pronounced "pass-tea" ) recipe. No gravy is needed, as it makes its own. The crust is sturdy but good. These have no turnips or swedes; you can add them if you like. My husband hates them, so I leave them out. Prep time is estimated, as I've never paid attention to how long it takes. Note: if measuring the flour by volume rather than weight, be sure to stir it first, or you will end up with too much flour, and thus a tough, dry crust.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  medium potato, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch dice
• 1  medium onion, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 lb  chuck or 1⁄2 lb  round steak, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
•  salt & pepper
• 1  pinch dried thyme (optional)
• 8  ounces flour (scant 2 cups)
• 2  ounces  cold butter, diced
• 2  ounces vegetable shortening or 2  ounces  lard, chilled and diced
•  cold water (add ice cubes to keep very cold)
• 1  eggs, beaten (to glaze) or 1  milk (to glaze)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425* F.
2. Combine potato, onion, meat, and seasonings; mix together well.
3. Cut butter and shortening into flour in a bowl until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add about 2 tablespoons cold water and mix with a fork to form a firm dough (add more water if necessary, until mixture just holds together).
4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly a few times. Cut into quarters, and roll each quarter out into a 6-7 inch circle. Trim by using a small plate placed over pastry and cutting around edge with a small, sharp knife.
5. Divide filling between each circle of pastry. Wet edges with water and fold pastry into a semi-circle, pressing edges together. Flute edges with fingers to form a tight seal.
6. Place pasties onto a baking sheet and brush with egg or milk. Bake at 425* F for 40-45 minutes, or until golden and heated through. May be served hot or cold.