Introduction: Painted Irish Meat Pie

Ok, so it just looks painted. It's actually stenciled with green powder, but it's beautiful and a great way to personalize any sweet or savory filled treat. My husband and I were lucky enough to make a trip to Ireland this past summer and this pie is inspired by our new found love for all things Irish. Of course, it would be great for St. Patricks Day as well. It's easy, fun, and a serious crowd pleaser.


Materials:

edible dusting powder

pie crust (I used ready made)

1 egg

1 red pepper

1lb hamburger

1 cup peas

1 onion

worcestershire sauce

salt

condensed tomato soup

Tools:

printed copy of stencil design

acetate sheet (I used a pocket divider)

X-acto knife

rolling pin (optional)

cheese cloth and rubber band OR flour shaker

pie plate

pizza cutter (optional)

basting brush

Step 1: Stencil

I decided to make my own stencil with a pocket divider. It's a strong material and clear, making tracing the desired image easy.

Print an image of your choice. Make sure that there are sections running throughout the design that will hold it together and not have large sections separate. Any celtic knot with bold lines and spaces between where they interweave should work. This knot wouldn't work while this one would.

Trim the pocket divider until you're left with a piece that is only one thickness.

Lay the divider over the printed image and tape it into place.

Use an X-acto to cut out the design.

Wash the stencil gently with soap and water.

Step 2: Crust Bottom

If you're using a ready made crust, like me, let it thaw to room temperature before unrolling and coat the bottom of your pie plate.

I opted to make a small pie, so I had to cut the crust to fit the dish. Using a full size pie plate alleviates this issue, but if you prefer smaller pies like me, you can press the dish into the dough to get a piece for the bottom and then use a pizza cutter to cut a strip or strips for the sides.

Step 3: Painting Design

Note: I decided to test the process on a scrap piece of dough first but was happy with it and ended up using it on the final pie. You could just as easily stencil on the full piece of dough that will cover the top of your pie.

Beat an egg.

Place the stencil over the dough and use a rolling pin to very gently press the stencil onto the dough.

I didn't have a flour duster, so I put a piece of cheese cloth over the top of the dusting powder and held it on with a rubber band.

Use a basting brush to apply a thin layer of egg over the stencil.

Lightly dust the stencil with the powder.

Carefully and slowly, lift the stencil up. Do not peel from one side. The excess dust will spill onto areas previously unexposed.

Trim excess dough.

Step 4: Top Crust

I took the leftover pieces of dough and rolled them out to make a top crust. This may not be necessary or possible depending on the size of your pie. Regardless, prepare your top crust.

Step 5: Filling

Saute the pepper, onion, peas, and hamburger with worcestershire sauce and salt to taste. Add the condensed tomato soup. The filling should be fully cooked. It will further stew while baking. This was obscenely simple but totally delicious.

Add the filling to your pie.

Step 6: Top Crust Assembly

Add the top crust and press edges with a fork.

Brush on a thin layer of egg.

Add your stenciled piece (unless you were smart and stenciled right on the top crust) and brush egg around the edges.

Use a knife to cut small slits in the top wherever they will be unobtrusive. Mine are right around the edges of the stenciled dough.

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy

Bake at 350 degrees until the crust is golden brown. Enjoy with an ice cold Guinness and some traditional irish music.

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