Yummy Meat Pie

I was a vegetarian for a long time--being in college can do that to people.  I went to college at Humboldt State University.  To say that the college community there was liberal, would be an understatement.  Most people stop eating meat because they think it the socially acceptable thing to do in a Green Party college town. 

I wasn't a vegetarian because it was the right thing to do, but because if you've ever lived in the dorms and eaten from food service...the food just stinks.  Meat was covered with gravy or breaded and fried.  And then once I lived out of the dorms, I didn't have loads of money.  Things like rice and veggies was just easier on the pocket book, especially with the awesome farmers market we had every weekend downtown.

I like meat...good meat...simply cooked meat...locally raised meat.  My husband LOVES meat.  A meal is not complete without meat as one of the ingredients.  Fortunately for him, I know how to cook some yummy dishes--using meat. As long as I don't bar-b-que it!

Here is this week's favorite:  MEAT PIE

1-2 lbs ground beef                                    1 tsp salt

1 package onion soup mix                           1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 cup barley                                            1/2 cup water

1/4 tsp chopped garlic

Double pastry for pie (non-sweet kind)

Brown the ground beef and garlic together.  Drain, then add onion soup mix, barley, salt, pepper and water.  Cover and simmer 10 minutes.  Prepare pastry.  Line 9" pie plate with half the crust.  Fill with meat mixture.  Top with remaining pastry. Cut a hole to vent.

Bake 375 degrees for 45 minutes.  Serves 6