Cape Breton pork pies are a delightful, traditional meat pie originating from the Nova Scotia region of Canada. Perfect for special occasions or as part of your meal planning, these savory pork pies require some preparation but yield impressive results. Follow our detailed steps to create this classic dish.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 sheets of pork pie pastry
- Water for sealing
#### Equipment:
- Rolling pin
- Pie dish (9-inch)
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
#### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Prepare the Filling:**
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. **Prepare the Pastry:**
- Take four sheets of pastry and roll them out to fit your pie dish. Aim for a thickness that will cover the bottom and sides without being too thin.
- Trim any excess dough from the edges, ensuring it is neat and tidy.
3. **Assemble the Pie:**
- Place one sheet of pastry in the pie dish. Use water to seal the edges where the pastry meets the dish, creating a strong bond that prevents leakage.
- Pour the pork mixture into the prepared pastry case.
- Cover with another layer of pastry, ensuring it is well sealed around the edges and any openings are closed off.
4. **Final Touches:**
- Trim the excess pastry from the top edge, leaving about 1 inch of overhang.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges, making sure they are well-sealed.
- Cut a small hole in the center of the top layer for steam to escape during baking.
5. **Baking:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pork pie on a baking tray and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Use a knife to prick the top of the pie before baking to allow steam to escape.
6. **Cooling:**
- Allow the pork pie to cool slightly after removing it from the oven. This makes it easier to handle and ensures that the filling sets properly.
7. **Serving:**
- Slice the pork pie and serve with a dollop of mustard or chutney for added flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade Cape Breton pork pies, perfect for sharing at dinner parties or as an elegant appetizer.
#### SEO Optimization Tips:
- Use keywords like "Cape Breton," "pork pies," "Nova Scotia" in the title and throughout the content to improve search engine rankings.
- Include alt text for images (e.g., "Classic Cape Breton pork pie recipe") to enhance accessibility and SEO.
- Utilize internal linking by referencing related recipes or articles within your site.
By following these steps, you can create a delicious and authentic Cape Breton pork pie that is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of baking and the satisfaction of serving this traditional Canadian treat!