Pasties

I remember going to piano lessons and baseball games as a child and my mom would bring these pasties along for our dinner, since we didn't have time to go home for dinner. They were great for an in-the-car meal because they were filling and good. These definitely beat fast food. With a little preparation, you can still have a home-cooked meal on the go.

Dough:

2 1/2 - 3 c flour (wheat flour can be used)
2 1/2 t yeast (or 1 package)
1 c milk
1 t salt
1/4 t sugar
sometimes I add a 1 T of orange juice if I'm using all wheat flour

Filling

1/2 lb hamburger
1/2 chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 c tomato sauce
2 T parmesan cheese
2 T chopped parsley
1/4 t salt
1/4 t cinnamon
1/8 t pepper
1/8 t ground ginger

In a mixer bowl, combine 1 1/2 c flour and the yeast. In the microwave, heat milk, 1 t salt and sugar until just warm. Add to flour mixture. Beat at low speed for 30 seconds scraping sides constantly. Beat 3 minutes at high speed. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can. Using the dough hook, knead in as much of the remaining flour as you can to make a stiff dough, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the surface. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, brown hamburger, onion, and garlic. Drain off any grease and stir in remaining ingredients. Heat through.

Punch down dough and divide into 12 pieces. Flatten balls of dough into a circle and place about 2 T of meat mixture in the middle. Bring edges of dough around meat and pinch to seal. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet, seam side down. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Don't be intimidated by the spices. It gives the meat a unique flavor. You can wrap them in foil and take them with you to your kids' activities. Bring some fruit or veggies and you've got yourself a well-rounded meal. The key is to get it all ready in your down time, so it's ready to go when you are.