Natchitoches Meat Pies

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

For the pastry:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 6 tablespoons lard
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water)
• Solid vegetable shortening, for deep-frying

Directions

In a large skillet heat oil and cook beef and pork, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, salt, Essence, cayenne, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are wilted, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Dissolve the flour in the water and add to the meat mixture. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the green onions. Mix well and let cool.

In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the lard until mixture resembles coarse meal. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, working it to make a thick dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each portion of dough into a thin round about 5 inches in diameter. Place about 1/4 cup of meat filling in the center of each round and brush edges lightly with egg wash. Fold edges together and crimp closed with a fork.

Heat shortening in a deep pot or electric deep-fryer to 360 degrees F. Fry the pies, in batches, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):

• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.