Cornish Pasties

Directions

1. 1
   PASTRY:
2. 2
   Combine flour and salt in a large bowl and cut in lard until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs.
3. 3
   Add water slowly, a little at a time, until mixture binds into a soft dough.
4. 4
   Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least an hour, a day or two is even better.
5. 5
   There will be pastry left over which can be frozen, or make a pie while the oven is on for the pasties.
6. 6
   FILLING:
7. 7
   Mix together half the beef, half the onion, and one potato for each filling.
8. 8
   Season to taste with salt and pepper and sprinkle mixture with 1 teaspoon of the cornstarch.
9. 9
   When ready to make pasties, remove pastry from the refrigerator and prepare filling.
10. 10
    Preheat oven to 425F (220C).
11. 11
    Roll out pastry as for pie crust and cut out two large circles 10 inches in diameter.
12. 12
    Place filling in center.
13. 13
    Brush edges of pastry with water and fold one half of circle over to meet the other, creating a half-moon shape.
14. 14
    Press edges of pastry together lightly.
15. 15
    Turn edges over about half an inch and crimp so it won't open during baking.
16. 16
    Make two half-inch slits near the top of each pastry and place on a piece of baking parchment on a baking sheet.
17. 17
    Brush the pasties with milk and bake 15 to 20 minutes.
18. 18
    Reduce heat to 375F (190C) for about another 45 minutes, or until pasties are golden brown.