OLD FASHION PASTIES

Old fashion pasties like these were an important part of men's lunchboxes when they worked in the mines, quarries, and factories. This old fashion recipe is from a lady in Michigan. I have had it for years.

3 cups diced peeled potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
1 medium chopped onion
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 pound ground pork
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Combine the potatoes, carrots, onion, salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the beef and pork mixing well. Add the butter and toss; set aside.

Pastry:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 cup lard or shortening
3/4 cup cold water

Combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in the lard or shortening until the mixture is like coarse crumbs. Gradually add the water, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Divide dough into 5 equal portions. Roll each portion on a lightly floured surface until it forms a 10-inch circle. Place 1 cup of the meat filling in the center of each circle. Fold pastry over the filling and seal the edges tightly with a fork; cut some air vent slits in the top of each one. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes to an hour or until golden brown.

Yield: 5 pasties

Note: File Photo