Banger and Mash Hand Pie

 

Banger and Mash Hand Pie

      I was craving something simple and yet slightly Irish/English that I could easily make. I have always loved Bangers and Mash but didn't feel like having the traditional sit down meal. This is one of the perfect weeknight meals that you can whip up in a hurry for the family or for yourself if on the go. Great flavors all in one handful. Banger and Mash Hand Pie

Ingredients:

• 2-4 Bangers casing removed, (I used Brats as that is what I had)
• 1/2 white onion sliced
• Left over mashed potato
• 1 store bought pie crust
• 1 tbs Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbs Sugar
• 1 tsp dried Thyme
• Salt/Pepper

1. In a large skillet over medium heat sauté onions in a bit of butter until caramelized. 

2. Add in a splash of balsamic vinegar and 1 tbs sugar to help the caramelizing process and give some more flavor the the onions.

3. While doing this you can push them off to the side and toss in the bangers to brown. Break up the sausage into pieces.

4. Now roll out your store bought pie crust and cut into about 6 inch diameter circles using a cup, cutter, or bowl. Should get about 6. Do another pie crust the same way so to get tops for each pie. Total 12 in all.

5. Take a spoon full of leftover mashed potatoes and spread in the center.

6. Top with some sausage/onion mixture and cover with another pie crust.

7. Crimp the sides with a fork and slice 2 slits in the top of each one for steam to release.

8. Cook in a 350 F degree oven for roughly 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 2+

The perfect little Irish/English hand pies on the go. Will definitely make these again. 

Chocolate Fettuccini

      I have always seen chocolate pasta being made, or included in an interesting recipe. I always wondered what it would taste like and how could something traditionally sweet be considered a savory dish. So I thought, why not give it a try. I thought probably the best way to make this would be with a butter sauce and possibly bacon in it. Bacon and chocolate do make an interesting flavor combo. So here goes, Chocolate Fettuccini. 

 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 tbs cocoa powder
• 3 eggs
• 3 strips bacon
• 2 tbs butter
• 1 Sage leaf
• Arugula
• Salt/Pepper

Make the pasta

1. Combine flour and cocoa powder in a large bowl.

 

2. Drop in the 3 eggs and begin to mix together until you have a solid dark brown ball of dough.

 

    Turn out onto floured surface and kneed till firm. Cover in plastic wrap and put into fridge for at least an hour.

 

3. Roll out dough into pasta using pasta machine.

 

4. Cook in boiling water until al dente.

Sauce

1. In large skillet brown bacon. Remove, drain, and chop into small pieces. 

2. In same skillet melt 2 tbs butter and sauté until turning brown.
3. Stir in diced sage leaf. Then toss in arugula and wilt.
4. Toss bacon back in. Toss with freshly cooked pasta. Serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2+ 

    This pasta was actually so amazing that I wouldn't really categorize it as a sweet dish. It was definitely a great combination of savory flavors. You will be surprised at how good this is and will definitely give it a second try.