Cornish Pasties

Ingredients

 * 1 medium potato, cut into 0.5 cm dice
 * 1 medium onion, chopped
 * 225g (8 oz) blade of beef or rump steak, cut into 1 cm cubes
 * 225g (8 oz) plain flour
 * 50g (2 oz) butter, diced
 * 50g (2 oz) lard, diced
 * cold water, to mix
 * beaten egg or milk, to glaze

Directions

 * 1) Pre-heat oven to 220°C / 425°F / gas 7.
 * 2) Place the potato, onion and meat in a basin and mix well.
 * 3) Place the flour in a bowl. Add the butter and lard, rub in until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add about 2 tablespoons of water and mix to form a firm dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead lightly.
 * 4) Divide the pastry into 4.
 * 5) Roll out each piece to about 15 – 18 cm (6 – 7 inches). Trim by cutting round the edge of a small plate.
 * 6) Divide the filling between each round. Brush the edges with water and draw up the pastry on each pasty, in a line over the centre of the filling. Seal well. Flute the edge with your fingers.
 * 7) Place the pasties on a baking sheet, fluted edges uppermost. Brush each with a little beaten egg or milk. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until golden brown.
 * 8) Serve hot or cold.