A Scotch Pie Story That Finally Has A Happy Ending

Finally, our family has discovered a way to make our much-loved Scotch pies at home.

It hasn't been easy. I've searched every corner of the Internet for a recipe I could manage, but every one I tried came up short. The filling has never been the problem. It's the pastry. I found it impossible to get that perfect tuna-can shape, even the time I used a tuna can as a mold. (It was very well washed so there was no stinky residue, but it was still a horrible failure.)

So, I was beside myself when I came across the DIY Scotch Pie Company (http://www.diyscotchpie.co.uk/home). I had come across online pie shell sellers before, but they were always in the United Kingdom and they never offered delivery to the United States. But when I checked, I discovered this one did. You can't imagine my joy. I placed my order then and there.

Unfortunately, that order had to be cancelled because the seller discovered the bureaucracy involved in shipping food products into the U.S. was trickier than he thought. I received a very kind letter of apology, along with a pledge that he would contact me as soon as the matter was resolved and shipping could be managed.

I never expected to hear from that kind man again, but a few months later, I did! Just a short note to let me know the shipping problem has been resolved. I immediately ordered the 6 standard & 12 small shell kit. It was £8.99 for the kit, plus £11.60 for shipping. Converted into dollars, it was $32.85.

Nine days later, I received the shells. I was a bit concerned when I saw they weren't packed with freezer packs, but I forged ahead, trusting that the DIY Scotch Pie folks knew their stuff.

They do! I cooked up a batch of Scotch Pies the next day using the filling recipe and seasoning packet included with the shells, as well as the recipe for DIY lids (the shells do not come with lids).

The pies were a resounding success. Terrific for dinner, lunch and anytime we have a craving for a savory Scotch pie. I think it's safe to say, from now on, our freezer will always have a stash of ready-to-heat Scotch pies, thanks to the kind and determined people at the DIY Scotch Pie Company.