Also known as mutton pies, these have a very long history. In the middle ages, they were frowned upon by the Scottish church, viewed as luxurious, decadent English-style food. In later centuries, they proved to be convenient and sustaining snacks for working people, who would buy them hot from pie-men or pie-wives in the city streets. The space on top of the pie, created by the raised crust, would sometimes be filled with gravy, beans or mashed potato.
This moist, fruity cake covered with rich pastry is traditionally eaten at Hogmanay. Make it in advance so the flavours have time to mature. Equipment and preparation: you will need a 900g/2lb loaf tin.
I love a good Thai chicken curry, fragrant with spices, chilli and ginger, and creamy with coconut milk. This is my pastry-topped tribute to that dish. Equipment and preparation: for this recipe you will need a 1.2 litre/2 pint pie dish and a lattice cutter.
Served with a lemony rocket salad, these delicious tarts make a great summer dish. Equipment and preparation: For this recipe you will need 4 x 10cm/4in loose-bottomed tart tins.
Made with a few simple ingredients a love cake would be made when a girl was courting. It would show her suitor that she could cook and therefore be able to look after him when they tied the knot.