Rustic Meat Pies and Such!

So, a few days ago it began to get really cold and for some reason that made me want to experiment in the kitchen. That need for adventure may have also stemmed from the fact that I had found some refrigerated pie crust on sale not too long ago and I was itching to see what I could do with it.

Eagerly, I hunted around in my refrigerator to see what I could find to put into a savory pie. I found about 6 red potatoes, some beef, and some frozen spinach. I decided to use it all. I grabbed a few ever-present cloves of garlic and got down to business. I scrubbed the potatoes and then cubed them [as best I could]. I rinsed off the meat and defrosted the spinach [In hot water, no microwave! I think it tastes better that way, but it's probably all in my head!]. In a large skillet, over medium heat, I warmed about 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil and threw the garlic in to season the oil. I added some other seasonings as well. Then I added the cubed potatoes first, then the beef [along with a healthy dose of Worcestershire sauce] and, last, but not least, I added the spinach. When the potatoes had browned and gotten soft, and there was no more pink on the meat it was time to remove it from the heat. I let it rest while I went to deal with the pie crust.

It was my first time using refrigerated pie crust, and it was quite easy. I used my round CorningWare casserole dish and gently pressed the pie crust to the bottom and edges. Then I spooned some of the "filling" in. I left enough room at the top for me to be able to curl the edges down [as you can see in the picture].

I baked it at 375o F until the pie crust was golden brown.

It came out very nicely. For my own taste, I would have put more seasoning in.

I would assume that a few other modifications could be made as well.

Next time I might:

- Use Ramekins and make mini pies

- Use peas and carrots instead of spinach

- Marinate the meat prior to cooking

- Include onions and or mushrooms

- Cut out the meat and make it vegetarian!

To make a long [and delicious] story short. I had made enough filling for more than one meal. I had an extra pie crust so I rolled it out a bit more, into a square- like shape, and cut it into smaller square pieces. Out of these pieces I made some rather rustic looking meat pies. They were perfect for snacking on or even for a hurried lunch as they are hearty and very easy to handle. They are good for traveling too! The rest of the filling was put into the fridge over night [I added a little butter so it would retain its moisture]. I warmed it and served it with fried eggs the next morning.

Note: I would like to thank my friend Mike, who helped me find a photo editing program to help me make collages [like the pictures for this post] and adjust lighting and such. Thanks Mike!

Sorrel - It's like holiday cheer in a cup!

Mom is making Sorrel

The holiday season is such a great time of year! Spending time with family and friends, eating, ...COOKING!!!!

I was at home with my parents for Thanksgiving, so I got to spend time in their wonderful kitchen. I grew up in this extremely spacious kitchen cooking on our 6- burner proffesional gas cooktop (with a grill in the middle) and baking in the in-wall double ovens...and had NO idea how blessed I was to do so. None. That is, until I got my own apartment with its baseball- base plate- sized counter-top, and 4- burner electrical coil cooktop. Now, in my early twenties, I appreciate when I can get home, not only to visit my family, but also to cook..in that kitchen.

One of my favorite times around the holidays is when Mom makes Sorrel. Sorrel is the name of a plant that, when dried, resembles dried hibiscus flowers (Whether they are the same thing, or not, I do not know, but I do plan to find out). Dry sorrel leaves are a beautiful deep red in color. The drink is most commonly called just "Sorrel" after the plant that it is made out of, but it may also be called "Sorrel Punch" or "Sorrel Drink".

The sorrel leaves are boiled in water, with fresh ginger (and sometimes a cinnamon stick) until the water is a deep crimson. Then you can remove the leaves and add sugar according to how sweet you like it. You can serve it either hot or cold (I prefer it as a cold drink). It is sweet, tangy, a bit spicy, and it warms you up inside. It's like holiday cheer, in a cup!

Note: This traditional West Indian drink was part of my childhood, I grew up on it, so for me it is a taste that I have always liked. Most people that I know, who have tried it, also enjoy it, but, it may be a bit spicy for those who have more delicate tastebuds.

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Hello!

I'm new to food blogging and I'm so excited to share and to learn. I love to cook, but I hate doing dishes. I am not a professional chef, I have so much more to learn and experience in cooking and I'm looking forward to it! I draw my inspiration from the flavors of different cultures that I have come in contact with. All the recipes here are my own creations unless I have noted otherwise.