Mercedes Kelly, a former social worker turned culinary entrepreneur, is here to enlighten readers with the release of her debut cookbook, Happiness In A Hand Pie: The Pasty Cookbook. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the pasty—a savory stuffed pastry iconic in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP). It combines delectable recipes with rich cultural history and practical tips. This makes it a must-have for home cooks, food historians, and nostalgia seekers.
Rooted in Kelly’s childhood in the UP, where pasties were a beloved tradition, the cookbook celebrates the dish’s journey from Cornish mining communities to the heart of American culinary culture. Kelly shares her inspiring story of launching a pasty business in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while offering readers a treasure trove of recipes, from the classic Beef Pasty to innovative Shrimp and Garlic Pasties and sweet Cherry Pasties.
Each recipe is paired with practical tips, such as crimping techniques and storage advice, ensuring success for bakers of all levels. The book also features chutney recipes, like Apple Chutney, to elevate the pasty experience.
Beyond recipes, Happiness In A Hand Pie weaves a vivid narrative of the pasty’s origins in medieval England and its role in the UP’s copper mining boom. Kelly adds charm and depth with her stories about the local pasty-making customs and “knockers,” which are mischievous mine spirits. Dedicated to miners and pasty lovers, the book also includes space for readers to record their own family recipes, making it a keepsake for generations.
“Pasties are more than food; they’re a connection to family, community, and heritage,” says Kelly. “I wrote this book to share that joy with the world.” With photography by Tom H. Kelly and a clean, accessible layout, the cookbook is as beautiful as it is practical.
Available now at major retailers, Happiness In A Hand Pie is perfect for anyone eager to bake, explore culinary history, or savor the flavors of the UP.
Order your copy on Amazon: http://amazon.com/dp/B0F7GPGCM9/.
About the author:
Mercedes Kelly, author of Happiness In A Hand Pie: The Pasty Cookbook, grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the savory aroma and flaky crust of pasties sparked a lifelong passion. These hand pies, enjoyed at picnics, holidays, and family suppers, became nostalgic symbols of her childhood and connections with loved ones. A University of Michigan School of Social Work graduate, Kelly practiced social work for years before pursuing her dream of running a pasty business in Ann Arbor. By listening to customers’ stories of their mothers’ and grandmothers’ cherished recipes, she crafted her own flavorful pasties, promising to honor tradition while tempting taste buds. In her cookbook, Kelly shares these recipes and invites readers to record their own family favorites, preserving the pasty’s legacy.
Book Name: Happiness In A Hand Pie : The Pasty Cookbook
Author Name: Mercedes Kelly
ISBN Number: 978-1967963126
Paperback Version: Click Here
Kindle Version: Click Here
Hardcover Version: Click Here
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