St Andrew's Day Pie Recipe

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Post on Nov 30, 2024

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St. Andrew's Day Pie: A Recipe to Warm Your Soul (and Your Tummy!)

So, St. Andrew's Day is rolling around again, eh? Time for kilts, maybe a wee dram, and definitely, definitely a delicious pie. This isn't your grandma's apple pie (unless your grandma was super cool). We're talking a hearty, savory pie perfect for celebrating Scotland's patron saint. Let's get baking!

The Filling: A Taste of Scotland

This isn't just any pie filling. We're aiming for a taste of Scotland, something rich and comforting, reflecting the spirit of St. Andrew's Day. Forget flimsy pastry; this needs a filling that'll stand up to a proper crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or lamb, for a more traditional feel)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds that je ne sais quoi)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (helps thicken the gravy)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This is crucial for a less greasy pie!
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don't rush this part; you want those veggies tender.
3. Stir in the mushrooms (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute or two.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
5. Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before adding to the pastry. Trust me on this one, hot filling = soggy bottom. Nobody wants that!

The Crust: A Buttery, Flaky Masterpiece

Okay, the filling's sorted. Now for the star of the show: the crust. A good pie crust is a thing of beauty, a testament to patience and skill (or a good store-bought one in a pinch!).

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the better!
3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is key for a flaky crust.

Assembling and Baking Your St. Andrew's Day Pie

This is where the magic happens. Get ready to unleash your inner pastry chef!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out half of the dough on a lightly floured surface and place it in a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Pour in the cooled filling.
4. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Serving and Enjoying Your Culinary Masterpiece

Let your pie cool slightly before slicing and serving. Serve it with a side salad or some mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal. Pair it with a nice Scottish ale or a comforting mug of tea. And most importantly? Enjoy the fruits (or rather, the meats) of your labor! Happy St. Andrew's Day!

Pro-Tip: Spice it Up!

Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a little kick. Or, try swapping the beef for venison – a truly luxurious touch! Remember, this recipe is your canvas. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. After all, that’s what makes cooking so fun!