Sunday, July 30, 2017

Rhys Bowen on the Secrets of Cornish Pasties #recipe #giveaway

LUCY BURDETTE: I'm so delighted to introduce my talented friend Rhys Bowen to MLK readers today! She writes two long-running historical mystery series, but is here today to talk about Cornish pasties and her newest Lady Georgie mystery, On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service. If you haven't started these books, you're in for a big treat. Welcome Rhys!

RHYS BOWENIt's funny how food means home to us, isn't it? When I go back to England the first thing I want is food from my childhood: fish and chips, bangers and mash, cream teas, a full English breakfast and..... Cornish pasties. 
Since we spend time in Cornwall every summer these days, staying with John's sister a Cornish pasty is my first taste of home after I arrive. 

Every year my visit to England is partly to do research for my upcoming Royal Spyness book. What a good excuse to visit pubs and bistros, farmers' markets and quaint cafes. But this year's book was rather different because it takes place in Italy, on Lake Maggiore. So my research last year was more concentrated on good wines, pasta, tiramisu, ripe plums and peaches and white asparagus. Such a hardship.
This summer, I'm happy to say, my research was back in England and I had my fill of Cornish pasties and clotted cream. Now heading for the gym to work it off!

One of my favorite parts about my time in Europe every year is visiting my sister in law in Cornwall. I love staying in the old manor house, slowing down to the rhythm of country life AND eating the wonderful food. Cornwall, for those of you who don't know, is the far Western and Southern tip of England, a Celtic-speaking land bathed in history and mystery. Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, Doc Martin... and clotted cream and pasties. Two of my favorite things in the world.

When I am there I eat cream teas with scones hot from the oven, home made strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream on top. So thick and golden you'd think it was butter (but it tastes much better).
And pasties! Yum. They were made for the miners going down the tin mines. They couldn't come up to eat their midday meal so they couldn't wash their hands. The rim of the pasty was designed to hold it and then throw away that part.


So I thought I'd share the recipe with you today. They are time consuming but so worth it.

Ingredients:

Half a pound of good quality steak, sliced wafer thin
Carrots, turnip, potatoes all sliced very thinly
1 big onion chopped finely
small amount of beef bouillon
short crust pastry

Pre-heat oven to 425.
Make short crust pastry dough to your favorite recipe. Roll it out very thin and cut into circles about 8 inches diameter.
On one half place thin layer of potato, carrot, turnip, onion and then top with thin slices of meat. Sprinkle some bouillon over it, or use Better than Bouillon or even Marmite if you are British. If you are not, you won't have it in the house!
Fold dough in half to make a pasty shape.  Fold over, crimp and seal the edges.
Bake  on baking sheet at 425 about 40 minutes or until it turns golden.
(The steam of cooking vegetables keeps the meat moist)

This recipe was given to me by a Cornish woman! Others cut steak into cubes but I like mine this way.

Pasties these days can contain other ingredients, chicken, lamb, curry, potato leek but this is the original.
And the best pasties, after an extensive search, are to be found in Marazion, across from St. Michael's Mount. And this is a photo of one just before we devoured it.

The eleventh Royal Spyness mystery On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service, comes out on August 1. Rhys's touring schedule is on her website. She is offering one copy of the new book to a lucky commenter today!

74 comments:

  1. Welcome, Rhys! Great recipe and the book sounds like a wonderful read. EMS591@aol.com

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  2. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I am so looking forward to the new Lady Georgie book!! Dspinlexo@aol.com

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  3. No, I can't be hungry--I just had breakfast! I've never been to Cornwall, but I'd love to explore the food. And the stone circles. This sounds delicious.

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  4. I've never had a Cornish pasty but the recipe looks delicious so I will definitely have to give it a try. I'm also looking forward to reading the new Lady Georgie novel. Right after I read all the ones before it!

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  5. I had Cornish pasty's once and loved them.
    This is a new to me series, thanks for the chance!

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  6. This recipe sounds terrific! This is a wonderful series, thank you for a chance to win!
    kathambre@yahoo.com

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  7. I love this series, so much fun, and now a great recipe for Cornish Pastries too. Thanks so much. Would love to win a copy of the new book.
    Pattyrad@aol.com

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  8. The book would be greatly enjoyed and appreciated. The series is wonderful. Thanks for this yummy recipe. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  9. I was introduced to pasties late in life and have thoroughly fallen in love with them. Never tried to make my own. Thanks for sharing the recipe, it looks relatively simple.
    little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

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  10. I enjoy the series which is captivating and special. Thanks for this great feature and giveaway and Cornwall is an intriguing and unique place. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. I'm always anxious to read your latest Lady Georgie book, and I'd be thrilled to win this copy! rebarger(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  12. Recipe sounds yummy. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your book.

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  13. Please enter me. I love to try new series.
    clarksrfun at gmail dot com

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  14. My wife and I are huge fans of the series and we're the proud owners five of the books (only one in paperback) I'd love to add this latest title to our collection. I've saved the recipe to my Pinterest page to try later.

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  15. A local church makes pasties and sells hundreds of them each week. It's their biggest fundraiser. They chunk their meat--so I think I'll make this recipe and compare.

    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  16. Welcome back to the Kitchen, Rhys! You are so right about the pleasure of eating foods from childhood, flavors and memories forever intertwined. The recipe for Cornish pasties looks delicious. Love the story about the coal miners and how they ate the pasties by holding the thick crust rim. (Having clean fingers, I'll be eating the crust too, thank you very much!) Cheers and happy congrats on the release of the new mystery in your fabulous Royal Spyness series! xoxo --Cleo

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  17. That sounds much better than the cinnamon raisin bagel, plain that I'm having right now. I can almost smell it. And, I'd love to read your book. lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  18. this recipe reminds me of my mothers Pastie Pies

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  19. Thanks for the recipe! I've never had a Pastie. Can't wait to read your new book. pennyt at hotmail dot com

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  20. I have always wanted to try pasties. Love your books!!! Jchizmar01@windstream.net

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  21. That's such an interesting story about the crust on the pasties, and that the miners could not come out of the mine to wash their hands before their lunch (sad, though, too). My Grandmother's family were coal miners who emigrated to the U.S. from Wales, and I wonder if they had pasties too. I wish I could ask them ~ bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Also, congratulations on your Tuesday book release - Yay! I can't wait to read your book and love the title!

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  22. Sorry to say, I have yet to sample your books but this introduction to them and the recipe have given me that incentive to get on board.
    Looking forward to reading and trying your recipe. I have a large big portion if English heritage and should experiment with more Brittish recipes.
    Thank you for the chance to win your book.

    Cynthia

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  23. Oh yum! I think the first (and last) time I had a pasty was in the Iron Range in Minnesota years ago. The miners brought that tradition with them. I can't wait to read the latest Lady Georgie and Darcy adventure.
    patdupuy@yahoo.com

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  24. loved the post. Love hand pies. Used to make them all the time when I was younger and on the go. I am looking forward to reading the series. They are on my TBR. Do hope this will be a start. Della at deepotter (at) peoplepc (dot) com

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  25. Pasties are high where I come from, Michigan! Thanks for sharing.

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  26. I love this series...and for pasties? Many of the Cornwall men came to the foothills in California to work in the mines, and in Grass Valley and Nevada City visitors can still enjoy the remnants their culture, food, and stories galore! There is a restaurant there that served the best meat pasties I'd ever tasted...
    kat8762(at)aol(dot)com

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  27. Rhys, it is so good to see you here today.
    I very much enjoy and appreciate your books.

    The pasties sound very tasty. I imagine that if made with a light hand, the whole crust will be quite good to eat as well, since we aren't making them to survive traveling down into the mines.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  28. I love Rhys's books. Loved the interview. I love learning things about the authors I enjoy reading. Can't wait to read On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. vlhcats@gmail.com

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  29. Thanks for sharing the recipe for pasties. They are a special treat when I go to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Cornish people that immigrated there to work in the copper mines brought the recipe with them. I can't wait to read your books.

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  30. Love Cornish pasties -- thanks for the recipe! I'm on the waiting list at my library for On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service.

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  31. Fascinating, Rhys! Thank you for that peek into history and your life, too!

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  32. The recipe looks delicious. I will be checking out this series. Thanks for the chance to win. jlsbookclub (at) nc (dot) rr (dot) com.

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  33. Thanks for the great recipe, Rhys. I'm definitely going to try making these. We always have to have pasties when we are in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I'm looking forward to reading to reading your new book. Thanks for the chance.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. Love this series! Can't wait for this next one!

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  35. Thanks for the recipe. I don't eat beef, but I might try this with chicken. My husband would love it with the beef though.

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  36. There's a town in Wisconsin where they have pasties. I am looking forward to the new book!

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  37. My Grandmother was from Wales, and her pasties were my father's favorite food. I grew up eating them, and they are one of the special tastes of my childhood. Thank you for sharing your story and recipe with us, and especially for sharing the worlds of Georgie and Molly Murphy with us.

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  38. Thanks for the recipe and the amazing series. I know what I'm reading this week as well as making for dinner :)

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  39. Pavlovian response to the very idea. In Stratford once, my friend suggested a stop at McDonald's (yes she did). I found instead a shop with pasties. I think she agreed that it was a better choice. I first tasted them in Minnesota, must have been the influence of miners. Perfection! I may have to make some when the book comes, for the full experience. <3 mgarrett (at) mail (dot) win (dot) org. Hugs <3

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  40. Gotta get around to trying this recipe! They look delicious! Georgie books are awesome! :) Smarjorieaw (at) Yahoo. Com

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  41. Can't wait for the new Georgie. Love Cornish pasties. Today's versions have much more flavor, and there are more restaurants selling them all around England.

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  42. I love every one of your books,Rhys Bowen. Not sure if I could accomplish that Cornish pie. Thanks for the offer of your book.

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  43. Thanks for sharing the recipe! I am happily waiting for my audio version of the next Georgie adventure!!

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  44. Rhys, on my bucket list is to visit Cornwall and have a Cornish pasty. I love hearing about your trips there each summer and get quite a vicarious thrill from it. I am so looking forward to the new Georgie book. I wish I'd tried to get an ARC for review, but looking forward to the hardback to read first is not such a bad thing at all. Love to you and the wonderful John.

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  45. Fabulous cover! Happy Book Birthday, this sounds like a wonderful book. Would love to win. A trip to Cornwall is on my bucket list.

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  46. I had a Cornish Pasty in Devon and I loved them. I was walking down the street licking my lips over one..I would like to try my hand at this. **And on a side note a Friend of mine told me she had discovered a wonderful Author named Rhys Bowen. Her name is Betty and she is now a big fan..
    Thank you for the contest.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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  47. Yum! This recipe is one I definitely want to try! And having read all of the other Royal Spyness books, I'd love to win a copy of this one. Looking forward to reading about Georgie's adventures in Italy!

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  48. I loved trying all the different versions of pasties when I visited England. I'll have to try making my own.
    turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

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  49. I love trying the pasties when I visited cousin in england. I love her books too. thanks for the opportunity to win. Jane in CT

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  50. Thanks for sharing the recipes! And even more for writing Her Royal Spyness!
    madamregistrar@comcast.net

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  51. I enjoyed your write up. I'd love to go to England - you know the scones and tea thing. Amd now Cornish pasties. I do enjoy your books.
    6186pep(at)msn9dot)com

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  52. The recipe looks really yummy, like a meal in a sandwich. I would love to try your series, thanks for the giveaway! barbie17(at)gmail(dot)com

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  53. Thank you for sharing the recipe for Cornish pasties. One day I will visit Cornwall but until then I'll make these pasties in my Texas kitchen. Her Royal Spyness mysteries are my arm chair traveler buddies along with the Evan Evans series. Love them!

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  54. These look delicious, thanks for stopping by today and sharing the recipe! Congrats on the new release and thanks for the chance to win!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  55. I love your posts and seeing pictures from your travels, AND I can't wait to read the new book!

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  56. Cannot wait to read the new book and love Her Royal Spyness Series.

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  57. Ok looking forward to both the new book and to try these Cornish pasties . Love British food !

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  58. I tried pasties when I was in England a long time ago. Love these mystery books & this recipe, Thanks for this very generous chance. lindamay4852@yahoo.com Linda May

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  59. Ann Elizabeth ZibratJuly 30, 2017 at 9:37 PM

    Eager to try the pasties near St. Michael's Mount next month when my sister and I are on a 4week trip to the UK! The visit to the Mount will be my first. Am also anxious to try your recipe as pasties are my favourite as well! Hope to see you soon back at MYSTERY BY THE BOOK here in Houston!

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  60. Looks amazing. Love the books!

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  61. I love your books! My favorite was the Evan Evans series. Have you stopped writting that one? Of course. So many people were introduced to Hamish MacBeth through TV but knowing him from books first I was disappointed that Robert Carlyle was not tall and have red hair. His assistant, John, looked &acted more like the book Hamish don't you think? I read you were not happy with how the TV series went. But if you had not read(or written) the books, it was good and hopfully got people reading your stories.
    Your latest is a woman I enjoy. A poor relation and friend to so many but really is poor (that darn sister in law...)so she has to take anything on to keep up appearances. But her boldness, ability to think quickly on her feet and her want to say what she thinks makes her a great woman in my book although not in her time period, not to mention her nights not always alone. I look forward to the next book.
    Finally but deservedly 1st. Thank you for the pasty recipe. I fell in love with them in England but have gotten friends asking for them now during our Scottish Games. Thanks again.
    Replies:robinsbusiness@hotmail.com

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  62. Can't wait to find out all about Georgie's latest adventures! I have always wanted to sample some Cornish pasties. Looks like I'll have to make them myself, so thank you for the recipe, Rhys!

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  63. Thanks for the recipe. Love Lady Georgie (and Darcy!), looking forward to a new adventure.

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  64. Love this series! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
    raquel36m(at)gmail(dot)com

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  65. Pasties are also very popular in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! We've grown up eating them for years! Just had one last night that my parents brought back from vacation. Very tasty! Thanks for the recipe!!

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  66. My cousin introduced me to Georgie and all her co-horts! What fun though I do find myself yearning for sausage rolls in the middle of the night when reading. Cornish pasties, heavenly!! sharonrizzo@hotmail.com

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  67. I love this type of meal, so thanks for the recipe. I can't wait to start reading this series. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  68. Thank you Mrs. Bowen for the recipe and also the delicious Lady Georgie Mysteries. I truly enjoy reading your fine stories.

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  69. Yummy, I am so making these! Thanks for a chance!

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  70. We live in Colorado but we get our pasties from the Upper Peninsula MI at a place called Pastie Corner. It is our favorite! I came across one of your books right before I went on a cruise with my Aunts and Cousins... I loved sitting by the pool reading it. Look forward to this next one.

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