Black Cat Pie Company (Part 1)

As promised some time ago we are going to do a mini-series over the next few weeks on the offerings from the Black Cat Pie Company of Ramsbottom (check out the face book page for availability:  https://www.facebook.com/blackcatpies/ ) . In true mini-series style we will start with a pilot and then release the future pie-episodes weekly. So those who like to Binge through their series (as Netflix refers to it as Binge racers), you’ll have to wait till the final review – When all the ratings will be revealed!

The Black Cat Pie Company currently produces 5 pies – we managed to get a couple of each to sample at a recent British Pie Association tasting session . All were eaten hot. The pies are:-

• The pub favourite – The Mince and Onion.
• The all-time classic – The Steak and Ale.
• The locally sourced – Cheese and Onion.
• The tender – Chicken Breast and Mushroom.
• The Black Cat speciality – The Pulled Pork and Chilli.

Today we’ll start with a ‘taster’ of the Mince and Onion Pie, billed as the Pub Favourite, filled with mince steak and finely diced onions cooked in a slowly reduced stock. The pastry is well formed, with a dark golden brown, nicely minimal, slightly flaky pastry which isn’t over deep – but also in a couple of cases failed to hold the filling in when cut, so the mince (which filled every bit of the pastry casement with no air gap at the top ) spilled out slightly, making eating on the go a potentially messy affair!

But what about the all-important taste test. “Very nice”, ”Well seasoned and tasty”, “Yes mouth-watering”.

Mince and Onion isn’t usually one I tend to go for – but I can see why this is a pub favourite. Filled with the light minced steak it satisfies the appetite and taste buds without sitting heavy on the stomach. Very nice….

Next we’ll look at another favourite – The Steak and Ale Pie…

MH.