Big Skies - Star Gazing

Photo © Rob Jones

Taking my leave of Cornwall, by way of Hayle Beach. The view always stunning. The wind always blowing.

Last night’s shenanigans in Penzance set me to wondering if there are any other Cornish traditions around Christmas. Quick search.

Bingo.

Stargazey Pie

Traditionally eaten on the 23rd of December during a festival in Mousehole to commemorate the efforts of a certain Tom Bawcock, who eased a famine in the village in the 16th Century, by braving a severe storm to go fishing.

So the legend goes during a particularly stormy winter, fishermen in Mousehole were forced to abandon their trade and, so, the villagers had nothing to eat. Unable to bear seeing his friends and family go hungry any longer, Tom Bawcock went to sea, battled storms, and caught enough fish to feed the whole village.

The catch was made into one big pie, with the fish heads poking through the top to prove they were really inside.

Stargazey Pie

Ingredients:
Pastry
8 Gutted Pilchards (or Mackerel or Herring)
100g Streaky Bacon
150g Breadcrumbs
150ml Cider
50ml Milk
4 Eggs - 1 for glazing, 3 hard boiled and roughly chopped for filling.
1 Onion, chopped.
Lemon Juice
Parsley
Salt and Pepper

Method

Stuff the fish with a mix of breadcrumbs which have been soaked in milk until moist, mixed with lemon juice and rind, half the chopped onion, the parsley, salt and pepper etc..

Arrange fish in the dish with their heads poised to stick up towards outer edge, scatter the remaining onions and parsley, chopped bacon and chopped eggs in between the fish, season well and pour in the cider.

Cover with pastry. Mak slits for the fish heads to peek through. Glaze the top with the egg.

Bake for 40-50 mins until pastry golden brown.

R