Chawetty's (15th century meat pie)

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
poundsPork or veal, cubed
cupWater
Pastry for 8\" double pie crust
6tablespoonsChopped dates
6tablespoonsCurrants
2teaspoonsSalt
5Saffron threads
¾teaspoonGround ginger
¾teaspoonBlack pepper
½teaspoonGround mace
¼teaspoonGround cloves
¾cupRed wine
1tablespoonWine vinegar
10Egg yolks

Directions

From a manuscript in the British Library known as Harleian 479, dating from around 1420; recipe adapted from a version developed by David Friedman and Elizabeth Cook.

In saucepan, simmer meat in water 20 minutes. Drain. Line 8" square baking dish with pastry. In bowl, combine meat, dates and currants.

Place meat mixture into pastry-lined dish.

In bowl, combine salt, saffron, ginger, pepper, mace, cloves, wine, vinegar and 9 egg yolks, reserving 1 yolk, and pour over. Cover with top crust, crimp well, make triangular cuts in center and fold tips back.

Beat reserved yolk (save whites for another use) and brush on crust.

Bake at 375'F. until crust is browned and meat is heated through, 25-30 minutes. Makes 6-8 servings.