Pasty Pie Northern Michigan Meat Pie Recipes

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!

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.

FRENCHY'S PASTIES

Steps:

• Using on/off turns, coarsely chop meat in processor. Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add potato, rutabaga, carrot, onion, parsley, thyme and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are just tender, about 12 minutes. Add meat. Sauté until meat browns, about 10 minutes. Mix in cream. Season filling to taste with salt and pepper. Cool filling completely. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover; refrigerate.)
• Preheat oven to 425°F. Unfold crusts on work surface. Spoon half of filling onto half of each crust. Fold other half of each crust over filling. Seal edges with fork. Transfer turnovers to baking sheet.
• Bake turnovers until golden, about 30 minutes. Cut each in half and serve.

PASTY PIE (NORTHERN MICHIGAN MEAT PIE)

Steps:

• Brown ground sirloin and onion.
• Dice potato and rutabaga and add to meat mixture.
• Season.
• Put meat mixture inside pie shell and seal.
• Put fork marks in shell for ventilation.
• Bake at 350F for 1 hour or until crust in golden brown.
• I like to spray the pan with non stick spray.