In ‘Proper Pasties” Billy Deakin, 2 times World Pasty Champion, delves into the colourful history of the Cornish pasty and what it means to the Cornish people. From tin mining and pilchard driving in Cornwall, to the 2012 “pasty tax scandal” and beyond, the book discusses the pasty’s history, and why it’s so popular today, before sharing more than 20 pasty recipes including the award winning recipe Billy used to win his 2 World Pasty Champ titles.
Inside you’ll learn all about the pasty’s rich history in Cornwall and beyond, everything you need to know about ingredients, how to get a perfect crust and a perfect crimp, a selection of different pastries (including a gluten free option) and a wide range of different fillings, tips and tricks to help your pasties turn out perfect every time, plus lots more…
** Updated 2nd edition, now includes both imperial and metric measurements for all recipes.
Table of Contents:
Part 1 – Proper Pasties
A Brief History of the Pasty
The Pasty in Cornwall Today
The Cornish Pasty Association
Fifty Shades of Pasty (PGI Status)
Pastygate! (The Pasty Tax Scandal)
The World Pasty Championships
Pasties Around The World
Part 2 – Pasty Making
Ingredients
The Crimp
An Award Winning Pasty Recipe
Pasty Pie
Pastry Options
Other Pasty Recipes
Steak and Blue
Steak and Ale
Chilli Beef
Spiced Oxtail and Sweet Potato
Lamb and Mint
Pork and Sage
Cheese and Bacon
English Breakfast
Chicken and Mushroom
Chicken and Chorizo
Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable
Roasted Squash, Ricotta and Sage
Mushroom and Blue Cheese
Tricolore
Cheese, Leek and Onion
Cheese and Marmite
2 Course Pasties
Apple Pasties
Mince Pie Pasties
Appendices
Top Pasty Shops in Cornwall
Tips for Making a Proper Pasty
Further Reading
From the author:
There are a few things which are guaranteed to warm the heart of any Cornishman or Cornishwoman; the sight of a deep red sunset from the top of Carn Brea on a clear summer’s evening, the sound of waves crashing on the rocks far below while walking along a cliff path in a wintery gale, a sea of black and gold wearing fans (Trelawny’s army) supporting their team at a Twickenham final, and the smell of a proper pasty straight from the oven!
In Proper Pasties I share my own passion for the humble Cornish pasty, and delve into its rich history and how that history is intertwined with Cornwall’s great industries of mining, farming, and fishing. The book explores how the pasty has been taken all around the world (mostly by emigrating mining families) and inspired versions from Argentina to Australia, and looks at the pasty’s importance for Cornwall’s economy today. Finally, the second half of the book teaches you how to make the perfect pasty, sharing my own award winning recipes along with tips and tricks for getting them just right! Whether you’re looking for recipes, tips to improve your pastry baking, or a trip into history, I hope you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
– Billy Deakin