When it is cold outside, rainy, windy or snowing, I love reaching for the comfort that a Savoury Pie gives at Dinner time. My favourite Pie I must confess is a Steak and Ale one. Although coming from France I could have said a  Pithivier which is either Sweet or Savoury in a dome pastry shape and rather elegant and fine Dinning. As for my partner it is Melton Mowbray Pork Pie which has his vote.

Steak and Ale Pie and Mash Potatoes.

Steak and Ale Pie is a Pub Classic usually served with Peas and Chips. My tendency is to serve it with Mash Potatoes... Doubly Comforting Time! Confession for confession most of the time I do not fuss about with the decoration on that one: I make it and I eat it, simple as. And my other half gets his share of the Steak and Ale Pie: his own half.

Black Sheep Ale. Artisan or very good Ale are a must for a good Steak and Ale Pie.

The key is to render the pieces of Beef really tender: almost the melt in the mouth effect. Carrots, Celery and White Onion are within the contents of the Pie along with a lovely Beef Stock strengthened by a very good Ale of your choice. Apart for the pastry you do cook all the elements like a good Stew, nice and slow, and do not forget the seasoning to your liking bit for it plays a crucial part just like the Ale.

Carrots from our Garden do not go amiss in that Steak and Ale Pie

The choice of side for the Pie to be served with has to be of your liking. I go for Mash Potatoes because it is easy to swallow. ( But also I grow them in my Garden). I could fancy the Mash up if I have guests with Dijon Mustard à l'Ancienne (Grainy Mustard) and some cooked chopped Baby Leeks. But also add another side of Petit Pois à La Française which is a little lavish.

Our Garden Peas ready to get the French Treatment...

So we do enjoy a good Meat Pie in this house. I must say a Savoury Pie is either consumed once a week or once every two weeks. But it doesn't have to be Meaty by all means it can also contain Veg. A little number we are a fan of is Spinach and Mushroom Parcels. They are delights on the plate. It makes a Wednesday Night sing of Dinner Time Babies or Happy Days...

Happy Days Theme.

Egg washing, or Milk washing of a Pie or Pastry Pie or Parcel give them a lovely finish. Nowadys you can get Eggs or Milk replacement as well for your friends allergic to them or being pure Vegan.

 Spinach and Mushroom parcel with Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms with a little Sage Stuffing side Croquette.