Natchitoches Meat Pies

I am sure that most everyone has seen the movie "Steel Magnolias" it was shot on location in Natchitoches Louisiana. I have included a link to "Steel Magnolia House" which is a B&B in Natchitoches, and was originally built in the 1830's, which some of of location filming of the movie was done. Check out the site you will find it interesting I am sure. http://www.steelmagnoliahouse.com/

But the other thing that Natchitoches is famous for, Southern Cooking, and especially, Natchitoches Meat Pies. These are pies like turnovers, that are filled with a flavorful meat filling and then deep fried. For many years the recipe was not available. But lucky for you that have stopped by this site, because today I am publishing the recipe.

They take some time and preparation, but well worth the effort. Here goes.

2 cups of self rising flour

1 egg beaten

1/3 heaping cup of Crisco(see you will understand if you have read my other blogs.) do not melt

3/4 cup milk

Sift flour and cut in shortening. Add beaten egg and milk. Work dough into a ball.

Filling:

1 1/2 lbs. ground meat

1 1/2 lbs. ground pork

1 cup chopped green onions

1 tbsp salt

1 tsp. coarse ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. coarse ground red pepper(red pepper flakes)

1/3 cup all purpose flour

Combine all ingredients, except flour, in a large heavy pot. (Southern Cooks prefer a cast iron Dutch oven) Cook over medium heat, stirring often until the meat loses its red color. Do not over cook the meat. Sift flour over the meat until the mixture is well coated. Stir while sifting so all the mixture receives an even coat. Remove from heat and pour into metal colander to drain. Let cool to room temperature.

To assemble:

Roll about 1/3 of dough at a time on lightly floured board. Cut into about 5 circles. Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling mixture on one side of the pastry round. Dampen edges of pastry circle with fingertips. Fold over mean and crimp with fork to seal. Prick with a fork twice on top. These pies may be fried or baked to a golden brown. In Natchitoches they fry them. May be frozen for later use. Makes about 25 pies. Call your friends over to eat.

These are so good. They are a true fried pie, unless you want to watch your calories and bake. Best fried. This is Louisiana Southern Cooking to die for. Let me know how you like them.