Cousin Jacks Pasty Dough Food

FAMILY FAVORITE PASTIES (MEAT PIES)

Steps:

• 1. Crust: Cut shortening into flour and salt. Add water just until you have a dough that is no longer sticky (like pie crust). Mix until well blended. Form into 4 balls. (You can chill dough at this point, but I usually don't.) Roll into four 8" circles. Cover with waxed paper until ready to use.
• 2. Meat Filling: Combine beef, onion, rutabaga, potatoes, salt, pepper and parsley in a large bowl.
• 3. Put approximately 1 cup of filling onto right side of dough, dot with butter and fold in half. Brush edges with milk, then crimp edges securely to hold filling while it bakes.
• 4. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and cut two or three 1/2" slices in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush with milk, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour or until golden. They will smell AMAZING while baking!
• 5. Traditionally served with ketchup, although I've also seen them served with gravy... which is another whole, big heated debate!

COUSIN JACK'S PASTY DOUGH

Steps:

• Note: I used our KitchenAid stand up mixer with dough hook to prep the dough.
• Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the cold shredded butter and toss with the flour and salt mixture.
• Slowly add the cold liquid while mixing the dough. If the mixture is too dry add a little bit of water but do not overwork the dough. Gather the dough into a ball.
• Wrap in a large gallon-size Ziploc bag or use plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• After the dough has refrigerated, portion the chilled dough out into 8 pieces.
• One a floured board use a rolling and roll each piece out into 6-7" inch circle.
• Divide and spoon the filling of your choice onto one side of each circle. Fold over the crust to a half moon shape. Pinch the edges or crimp edges with fork to seal.
• Bake 25-30 minutes depending on the size pasties you make.
• Leftover pasties freeze well.

UPPER PENINSULA PASTIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir shortening and water until shortening is melted. Gradually stir in flour and salt until a very soft dough is formed; cover and refrigerate for 1-1/2 hours. , Cut potatoes and rutabagas into 1/8- or 1/4-inch cubes; do not make cubes too large or they will not cook properly. Gently combine ground beef and pork; break into small crumbles. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, rutabagas, onions, meat mixture and seasonings. , Divide dough into 12 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out 1 portion at a time into a 8-in. circle. Mound 1-1/2 to 2 cups filling on half of each circle; dot with 1 teaspoon butter. Moisten edges with water; carefully fold dough over filling and press edges with a fork to seal. , Place on ungreased baking sheets. Cut several slits in top of pasties. If desired, brush with cream or beaten egg. Bake at 350° until golden brown, about 1 hour. Cool on wire racks. Serve hot or cold. Store in the refrigerator.

BUTTE PASTY DOUGH

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, cut first two ingredients with a pastry cutter (or forks) until fine and crumbly.
• In a 1 cup measuring cup (or see-through measuring cup) add egg, vinegar, salt and sugar.
• Add enough cold water to make 1 cup, stir mixture well.
• Stir liquid mixture into flour and shortening until combined.
• Do not over-work dough or crust will be tough and not flakey.
• Roll out, between plastic wrap works well.
• Fill with your favorite pasty filling.
• Bake at 350-375°F for approximately 60 minutes, or until crust is browned and filling is cooked.
• *You can brush with an egg-wash before baking for a nice light brown crisp.