If the pastry isn't right, the filling doesn't matter

Last Sunday we endured the wind and rain to trudge up the hill to listen to Pastor Joe. He spoke well and with authority. It was really quite pleasant to hear, a bit of a challenge and all the better for it. Spirits lifted we left to bright sunshine and a pleasant wander back for Sunday roast as it should be. Even with the broken dishwasher it worth the washing up.

A week later we ascended the same hill to go to the same place although this week was windy but dry. Sadly, so was Pastor Joe. Even sadder was the fact that his talk skirted over the focus of his text and he spent his time repeatedly making lightweight conjectures on an erroneous premise. We came out to a downpour which has lasted a while but seemd somewhat totally appropriate.

Heads down we slithered back but on the way passed a sign clearly bearing the text "Cornish Pasty €1.20" Well, it had to be done. So we bought both remaining examples but not without hesitation.

The pastry just wasn't right. It didn't have a curled edge. Now, I couldn't make a pasty to save my life but I can absolutely guarantee that I could fold the edges in properly. Even after more than half a century you couldn't forget what your Nana taught you.

The pastry wasn't right and I wasn't about to spend €2.40 on a pair of Cornish Pasties when they plainly weren't. There are standards to be kept.

Fortunately as one was about to go in a full on huff one had ones notice drawn to the label in the shop which read "Cornish Pie"  Now, I have no idea what a Cornish Pie is so it could be anything. The man said "meat" so a deal was done and back we trudged.

Once the wet gear had been set aside, the kettle put to use and calm good humour restored we sat to eat our Cornish Pies.

Indeed, the pastry may have been right for a Cornish Pie, I've no idea because until today I'd never heard of let alone had a Cornish Pie. I can confirm, however that the presence of carrot and peas spread throughout the meaty lumps, with possibly some potato, maybe a vestige of onion but no rooty that I could find made it absolutely, definitely, positively, certainly, indubitably not in any way, shape or form a Cornish Pasty.

As a Cornish Pie for €1.20 a time I can thoroughly recommend it and am likely to try a further sample as time and permission allows.

Labels are so important, are they not and if they don't live up to what you expect them to be the disappointment is immense.

And if the foundation isn't right the filling really doesn't matter.