News from the swamp

An email has flooded in to the Pasty Watch newsdesk. Possum pasties are now on the menu.

From our South Carolina correspondent, this is our first USA-based recipe. This recipe is apparently steeped in history (and Bourbon) and allows us a view into the pasty culture of the deep south. Most interesting (aside from the hair removal technique) is the use of rutabaga (think 'swede'), grated rather than cubed. An interesting contrast with the carrot-and-pea approach of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to be featured in forthcoming Pasty Watches...

• Catch 1 large possum, or 2 medium possums in South Carolina swamp.
• Put possum in 55 gallon drum and feed for 3 weeks (persimmons, apples, and cornbread).
• Shoot possum between the eyes (his brain is real small).
• Scald in 140 degree water for 10 minutes.
• Scrape hair with fruit jar lid until all hair is removed.
• Rub down liberally with salt and pepper.
• Place possum on roasting rack with an apple in his mouth.
• Place roasting rack in pan. 1 cup water and 1/4 bottle of Wild Turkey Bourbon in bottom of pan. (Rest of the Bourbon is used for sipping purposes).
• Slow cook 2 hours basting often.
• Remove and let stand for ½ hour.
• Debone Possum meat and set aside.

FILLING:--
1 ½ lbs. Possum Meat, deboned
3 c. potatoes, sliced thin
1/2 c. finely grated rutabagas
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 tbsp. butter
½ tsp. Instant unseasoned meat tenderizer

CRUST:--
3 c. flour
1/3 c. lard (the real thing)
Pinch of salt
1/3 c. water

Direction:
Mix together filling ingredients. Do not allow standing too long or potatoes will turn dark; set aside. Make crust using flour, lard and salt. Mix well. Gradually mix in water, using a fork. Pat together into a ball. Divide into 4 smaller balls and roll dough out to the size of an 8" pie plate. Place 1 cup mixed filling on half of the rolled crust; fold over and seal edges. Brush with milk and bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees and bake 30 more minutes. Serve with brown gravy if desired.

I assume that's 425 farenheit, which is 220 celcius or so. 375 is 190 celcius.

If you are unable to find Possum, substitute Koala.