Catt Pie and Mince Pies

[Rubyrose]

Hello,

Does anyone know the recipe for something called Catt Pie (two T's).
Apparently it contains mince meat. (Not from actual Cats though).

Also, while I'm on the pie subject, does anyone happen to know an original recipe for Mince Pies, but not containing fruit. Containing mince meat. (That's what they originally contained).

Many thanks,
RR

[Mrs Y]

Catt Pie is so-called as it was created in the kitchens of pastry cook Christopher Catt. His pie shop was the meeting place of the Kit-Kat club in the late 17th century (made up of a number of Whig politicians and writers). The pie apparently contained mutton. It would seem that the original recipe has been lost over the years, but this should produce a similar result:-

Mutton Pies

INGREDIENTS:
Hot Water Crust:
8oz. flour
2oz. lard or vegetable fat
2 fl oz. milk
2 fl oz. water
pinch of salt
1 egg yolk

Filling:
12 oz. lean mutton or lamb
6 tablespoons meat stock, gravy or water
salt and pepper


Make the filling first. Chop the meat finely and season. Set aside. Set oven to 375 F. or Mark 5. Sieve the flour and salt into a bowl. Boil the lard, water and milk together in a saucepan.
Make a well in the flour and pour in the hot mixture: mix well with a knife and knead until smooth. Roll out two thirds of the paste on a floured surface, keeping a third for lids.
Cut into 6 circles and press into deep patty tins. Spoon the meat into each tin, moistening each filling with a spoonful of stock, gravy or water. Cut the remaining dough into 6 smaller circles for lids.
Brush the edges with water and seal. Make a split in each pie lid to allow steam to escape. Brush with egg yolk. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes. Serve hot or cold.

As a variation, add some chopped onion, mushroom and parsley to the filling.

A recipe for minced meat pies can be found here:- http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art3581.as p.

Happy cooking!

[Rubyrose]

Many thanks Mrs Y. :o)