Pasty lovers know there’s something deeply satisfying about holding a golden, crimped pastry filled with delicious, hearty ingredients. It’s comfort food at its best: simple, portable, and packed with flavor.
But making a truly good pasty can be a challenge, especially for beginners because it’s about more than just mixing meat and dough. It’s about honoring a tradition, understanding the process, and using thoughtful ingredients. That’s why pasty is simply better with Happiness in a Hand Pie: The Pasty Cookbook by Mercedes Kelly.
This isn’t just another recipe book. It’s a celebration of a regional favorite that has brought generations together around the kitchen table. In it, Mercedes shares over 20 thoughtfully crafted pasty recipes, each backed by real stories, cultural heritage, and years of small business experience in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her journey from social worker to pasty-maker adds richness to the pages and brings authenticity to every bite.
The book walks readers through every step, from dough techniques to creative fillings, making it accessible for beginners and exciting for experienced cooks alike. Unlike standard cookbooks that assume you know how to crimp or season a savory pastry, Mercedes offers clear, detailed guidance without being overly complicated. Her tone is warm, patient, and encouraging—just like the food itself.
One standout element of the book is its focus on versatility. Want something savory? Choose from classics like beef or chicken, or try creative twists like mushroom and feta. Need something sweet? Flip to the dessert pasties that feature juicy fruit and flaky crusts. Craving a quick breakfast? There’s a section for that too. The variety allows you to return to the book again and again, whether you’re planning a party or packing a lunch.
But what really sets Happiness in a Hand Pie apart is how it brings people together. Making pasties can become a family tradition. The process is simple enough for kids to help, and the results are always satisfying. Mercedes even includes space in the book for you to write your own recipes or family variations, turning the cookbook into a living keepsake.
Mercedes also understands real life. Her book includes practical freezing and reheating tips, so you can make a big batch and enjoy warm, homemade meals even on your busiest days. This level of planning makes the pasty more than just a comfort food—it becomes a go-to solution for modern families trying to eat well without stress.
So if you love pasties, or even if you’ve never tried making one before, Happiness in a Hand Pie is the book you didn’t know you needed. It’s an invitation to slow down, roll up your sleeves, and fill your kitchen with the smell of something good and flaky. With Mercedes Kelly as your guide, your pasty-making journey is sure to be more flavorful, more fun, and filled with a whole lot more heart and love that you will never forget.
So, gear up and get ready to master the art of making delicious and flaky pasties from scratch. Head to Amazon to purcahse your copy of Happiness in a Hand Pie.
Here is a link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7GPGCM9/.
