Cornish pasties

Method

1. For the pastry, sift the flour, salt and pepper into a large bowl. Add the butter and lard and rub between your fingers until it is the consistency of fine breadcrumbs. Add just enough chilled water to bind (about 7-8 tbsp). Shape into a flat disc, wrap in cling film and chill for at least 20 minutes.
2. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the diced vegetables and parboil for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan and soften the onion over a low heat. Mix with the vegetables in a large bowl and allow to cool. Once cool, stir in the chopped beef and season well.
3. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a pound coin. Cut out 6 x 20cm circles. Spoon the filling into the centre of each circle, leaving a 2.5cm border. Season. Brush the pastry edges with a little beaten egg, then fold in half to enclose the filling. Seal well, crimping around the edges.
4. Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan200°C/gas 7. Place the pasties on a large lined baking sheet and brush all over with beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden and the filling is piping hot.