Here is a fantastic, simple recipe for a Cornish pasty, perfect to take hot or cold with you if you’re planning a picnic this summer. You can also buy ready made pastry to save preparation time. The recipe is adapted from bbcgoodfood.com

Makes 4 pasties.

Ingredients.

1. 1 pack of ready-rolled shortcrust or flaky pastry, whichever you prefer

2. 350 grams beef mince

3. 1 large onion, finely chopped (you can buy ready-chopped frozen onion if this is easier)

4. 1 medium potato, peeled and cut into small chunks

5. 175 grams carrots, cut into small chunks

6. Freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7. 1 tablespoon of plain flour.

Method.

1. Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Mix together the filling ingredients with 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. I used my hands to mix: that way it’s easier to ensure everything is combined thoroughly.

2. Spread a little flour over the worksurface and roll the pastry on to it. Once rolled, cut four circles about 23cm across. I used a saucer to act as a template. Use your hands or a spoon to put a quarter of the filling along the centre of each circle, leaving a margin around the edge. Brush the pastry all the way round the edge with beaten egg. Carefully draw up both sides so that they meet at the top, then pinch them together to seal all the ingredients in. Lift on to a non-stick baking tray and brush with the remaining egg to glaze.

3. Bake for 10 minutes, then lower oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4 and cook for 45 minutes more until golden. Best served warm, but they can be wrapped in foil and packed into your picnic box to be enjoyed with some summer tomatoes.