Father’s Day is on the horizon. In celebration of this special day, my children and I are making (my version) of the English classic- steak and ale pies– served with hot chips (French fries), green peas, and a pint of stout beer (not for the children of course).
This is a classic English pub-inspired meal that also links back to my time in Australia.
A rich and savory treat–perfect for celebrating the important work of a father.
Come read along to see how my family celebrates an English-inspired Father’s Day in America.
Sweet verses Savory Pies
To my suprise…pies are not just a sweet treat!
In America, there is a plethora of sweet pies: apple pies, pumpkin pies, key lime pies, pecan pies, French silk pies, and the list goes on and on. However, in England and Australia, the pies are often savory- and stuffed to the brim with a mouthwatering filling.
To give a bit of context, let me rewind all the way back to 2004. After graduating high school- I took a gap year in Australia. This was my first experience with a true savory pie (aside from chicken pot pie).
My first taste of an Australian, meat pie was an unforgettable experience. The pie was individual sized- handheld- and a perfect, on-the-go, food. It was filled with the most delectable, savory beef, and was topped with ketchup. Luscious beef filling reminded me of my mom’s pot roast, all mashed up, and then scooped into a crispy, flaky crust.
What a beautiful bite. A real treat.
Fast forward, ten years later and I had the opportunity to feast on savory pies once again. This time in England. While slightly different, both pie varieties are scrumptious.
English-Inspired, Beef and Beer Pie for Father's Day
A classic savory pie in England, is the Steak and Ale Pie. I decided to use my Australian experiences, as well as my experiences- from my time in England- to create my own version of a “Beef and Beer” pie.
For this recipe, I made my own short-crust pastry for the bottom of the pie. However, I did use storebought puff pastry for the top of the pie. Afterall, I do have four small children. Plus, storebought puff pastry (if made with butter), is just as delicious- in my opinion.
I pre-made the short crust and the meat filling the day before, ensuring that they both had plenty of time to chill.
In the end, the filling was a generous portion, so more pies could have been made. I actually placed the leftover meat filling in a casserole dish and topped with only the puff pastry- as I did not have any more short crust- and this is a lovely way to serve it as well.
In my opinion, this meat filling recipe is perfect because it can be adapted quite easily to suit individual taste.
For example, if you do not like using alcohol in your cooking, you can substitute the Guinness with extra beef broth. Or you could add more Guinness for a stronger, richer taste.
You could also change out the veggies to say mushrooms or celery.
This pie recipe does take a bit of time to prepare, so we reserve recipes like this for special occasions, ehem…Father’s Day.
Certainly, this meal is not yet on my weekly rotation. Maybe when my toddlers are a bit more self-sufficient… but until then, meat pies are a special occasion treat in our home.
How to Make Buttery Short Crust Pastry for the Perfect Father's Day Meal:
Homemade Short Crust (for Savory Dishes)
Ingredients
Method
- Freeze the salted butter. (Alternately, you can use refrigerated butter, but freezing the butter beforehand makes grating the butter an easier job. Plus, it helps the butter and the flour to better incorporate.)
- Use a cheese grater to carefully grate the frozen /very cold butter into a medium sized mixing bowl.
- Add flour to the butter and gently begin to combine the two ingredients. Folding the butter into the flour- and coating- as opposed to mashing.
- Add the cold water to the butter and flour mixture. Combine the ingredients until a dough is formed. Do not overmix or overhandle. Some pieces of butter will still be seen throughout the pastry dough.
- Line countertop with a piece of plastic wrap. Add the pastry to the plastic wrap, cover, and gently press the pastry down to make a flat square shape.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour. (Overnight is ideal).
- Once the dough is chilled, it is ready to be used as a bottom or top of a pie. The pastry does best if brushed with an egg wash and baked until golden brown in a preheated oven (375 degree F).
Notes
How to Make the Perfect Beef and Beer Pie Filling for Father's Day:
A Tray to Serve a Father's Day Meal in a Lovely Way
*I know you guys have seen this vintage, tray basket before in my Englishy Muffins and Pretty Things post, but seeing as it is Father’s Day, I thought we would “dress” the meal in a more noteworthy way. Thus, giving the meal the impression of a breakfast in bed celebration.
The Secret Ingredient in a Father's Day Meal is Love
This English inspired meal is made with more than just crisp short crust pastry, savory beef, lush vegetables, and rich beer- for first and foremost, it is made with love.
Always the special ingredient in our home.
Speaking of love, if I had to describe my husband’s love for his children and family- I would describe it as steady and strong. Tender and calming. Unselfish and kind.
My next story will bring these qualities to light.
How a Father's Day Meal, and a Secondhand Purchase, Help to Celebrate Dad:
Recently, my music-loving husband, bought a record player. Much to his delight, he has begun collecting secondhand, vinyl albums.
When the records come on… the children come out to dance. They drop whatever they are doing and run into the living room to have a listen to the crack- cracking sound of old vinyl tunes.
It has been a delightful sight to behold my husband dancing with his children. I have treasured these glimpses of him picking up our youngest daughter, while grabbing the hands of the others, smilingly- pulling them close, holding their little hands, and just being in the moment with his children. Surrounded by love-in the quietness of our home. What a lovely sight to see-and a magical treasure to hold in our hearts- all the while, being imprinted in our memories.
Love is often not in things bought or money spent, but in quiet moments where no one (other than those closest to you) is around to see.
I pray I always cherish the quiet moments with my children- for those are the ones that often make lasting impacts.
A Favorite Thing About Dad: A Father's Day Tribute to Celebrate
The last endearing thing I will share, in honor of Father’s Day, is one of my favorite things that happens every weekday in our home.
My husband drives an old Chevrolet… it is the cutest, little, blue truck you ever did see! When the engine revs…you hear it.
Every morning, for as long as I can remember, the children have woken up early to wave goodbye to their dad as he leaves for work.
The children will be completely sound asleep. I mean under the covers, practically snoring, drool coming out of the corner of their mouths, kind of asleep. But when my husband starts his truck to leave for work… they all immediately sit up, throw their covers off, and run to the windows… as fast as their little legs will carry them-simply to wave goodbye to their beloved dad.
I can see them all from the front porch, each sleepy face- at a separate window- waving. After this, they crawl back into their warm beds and go back to sleep… as if they had been asleep all along.
What joy to witness the love they have for their dad.
Favorite Things That Remind Us of Dad on Father's Day:
Final Father's Day Thoughts: Enjoy the Simple Moments
Naturally, every moment does not always look like the above moments in our home, but when those moments do take place- what a blessing it is to pause, and take it all in, with a thankful spirit.
May this serve as a reminder to enjoy the moments we are given, as we do not know how many God may give us.
So here is to Father’s Day, savory food (beef and beer pies), sweet memories, and love.
A special Happy Father’s Day to my own wonderful dad and my fantastic father-in-law, in England.
Happy savory, pie eating, Father’s Day! *If you would like to try a chicken pot pie for Father’s Day, see my recipe here.
For more English recipe ideas- check out my ultimate guide to traditional English recipes here.
Until next time…Cheers!
~Elizabeth~
