The Ultimate Guide to Cornish Folklore

May 31st, 2023

Cornwall is renowned for its folklore, with various myths, legends and tales associated with the magical stretches of countryside and sea throughout the county. We take a look at some of the most popular Cornish folktales.

 

Mermaid of Padstow

While there are many references to mermaids throughout Cornish folklore, one particular tale relating to mermaids is that of the Doom Bar, a sandbar at the mouth of an estuary of the River Camel on the North coast of Cornwall.

 

It is said that, upon being shot by a Cornish sailor, a mermaid set a dying curse on the harbour, forming the sandbar. There are several variations on the details of this tale, but many involve the mermaid and the sailor falling in love, and at the end of their relationship (in one version she refuses a proposal, and in another she tries to lure him under the sea), he shoots her.

 

Her curse on the harbour stated that it would become unusable, desolate and unsafe, and in doing so destroyed many boats and formed the sandbar.

 

Bucca

Living under the sea isn’t a life only limited to the ‘maids in Cornwall, with it said that sea spirit mermen came to shore to inhabit coastal communities during stormy weather.

 

The Tale of the Sea Bucca describes the being as having the dark brown skin of a conger eel, with a mound of seaweed hair. Legend suggests, he was once a human prince who got cursed by a witch. He helped local fishermen by driving fish towards their net, and in return, the fishermen left fish on the beach to placate him. Throughout the 19th century, these offerings were particularly common in Newlyn and Mousehole.

 

The Bucca is also thought of as having two forms, good and evil; Bucca Widn (White Bucca) and Bucca Dhu (Black Bucca). Now known as Bucca Boo, the evil version of the spirit has been used by parents as a ‘bogeyman’ to make children behave better!

 

Mermaid of Zennor

Another mermaid tale is that of the mermaid of Zennor, a woman who enchanted the parish with her incredible singing voice when she attended the service at St. Senara’s Church. She returned to Zennor infrequently over many years, but never appeared to age.

 

One day she returned and took an interest in a young man named Mathey Trewella, who had the best singing voice in the parish. He followed her home, and the two disappeared and were not seen in Zennor again.

 

She was believed to be a mermaid after a ship cast its anchor a mile away from the village, and a mermaid requested they raise it again as it was blocking her door, leaving her unable to reach her children. Upon hearing of this, the villagers concluded that it must be the mysterious woman and Mathey Trewella. The story is commemorated in a 15th century carved bench depicting a mermaid.

 

Knocker

The knocker can be seen as a sort of Cornish equivalent of a leprechaun, as they are said to be around two feet tall. They live underground and are spotted wearing tiny miners’ outfits. Here they play pranks and get up to mischief, stealing miners’ tools and food.

 

The name ‘knocker’ comes from the sound a mine wall makes before it caves in, so it was believed that the noise was either a warning that the mine would collapse, or that they were malevolent spirits trying to bring the mine down.

 

Those who believed the knocker was giving a warning often thought that they were the helpful spirits of those who had previously died in tin mines. To appease their mischievous behaviour or to give thanks for the warnings, food offerings, such as the crust of a pasty, were typically left out for the knocker.

 

Piskies

Piskies are, as the name may suggest, the Cornish version of a pixie. They are thought to be located in the moorland areas of Cornwall, and around ancient sites. One particular myth regarding the piskies is that of Joan the Wad, who is Queen of the Piskies.

 

There are two interpretations of the character; firstly that she is a will-o’-the-wisp type being, who lures travellers off their path, but others consider her to be good, saying that she uses her Wad (a torch) to light the way to safety and good luck.

 

King Arthur

Early legends see links between King Arthur and Cornwall, with the belief that his birthplace was in Tintagel, at the court of King Mark of Cornwall, who was his uncle. The Arthurian legend connections continue with Dozmary Pool, on Bodmin Moor, which is believed by some to be the lake in which Sir Bedivere threw Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake!

 

Giants

Tales of giants are very common in Cornish folklore, with the events of Jack the Giant Killer said to have taken place in Cornwall. Giants have been used to explain various dramatic landscaping features throughout the county, from the striking cliffs to the mysterious form of St Michael’s Mount.

 

Cormoran is one such giant, believed to have been responsible for creating the island of St Michael’s Mount as a base from which to visit the mainland to steal cattle and sheep. Cormoran was stated as the first giant Jack slew.

 

The second giant killed by Jack is said to be Blunderbore, another of Cornwall’s legendary giants. Blunderbore, and his brother, Rebecks, were giants who kidnapped lords and ladies, aiming to eat the men and wed the women. After recognising Jack as the Giant Killer, he was abducted to be eaten, but Jack managed to make a noose and hang the two giants.

 

The Beast of Bodmin Moor

The Beast of Bodmin is considered to be a phantom wild cat, which has been reported to stalk the moorland, slaying livestock. After multiple sightings from the end of the 1970s, the alleged panther-like creature became known as the Beast of Bodmin Moor.

 

Many theories have been raised about the origins of this beast, including claims that these alien big cats have escaped from zoos or private collections. Reports of the beast were so widely covered that the Ministry of Agriculture even got involved, attempting to put a stop to the claims by stating that there was no evidence of such big cats loose in Britain!

 

If these tales don’t scare you away – or you want to investigate some of this magic yourself – why not take an excitingly magical trip to our 5-star holiday park in Cornwall?!


Pancake Day: Pancakes with a Cornish Twist

February 12th, 2021

With pancake day on the horizon, we take a look at the history of the celebration and how you can add a little Cornish twist to the classic pancake to get that holiday feeling!

 

Although travelling still isn’t possible due to restrictions, we can still look forward to trips in the near future! Once COVID restrictions begin to ease, why not visit our luxury cottages in Cornwall to enjoy some classic Cornish treats against a stunning Cornish backdrop?

 

In the meantime, try out these Cornish-inspired pancakes!

 

Why Do We Celebrate Pancake Day?

With all the excitement around eating the tasty treats themselves, it can be easy to forget what pancake day is really all about!

 

More officially known as Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day is a celebration before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Celebrated 47 days before Easter, it falls on a different Tuesday each year.

 

For Christians, Lent is a time of fasting during the 40 days leading up to Easter. Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday was a day to confess your sins and be ‘shriven’ or absolved before the period of penance during Lent.

 

For those that observe Lent, Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to use foods like eggs or butter – pancakes are the perfect way to use such ingredients!

 

Traditionally, the four main pancake ingredients are also said to represent four significant elements surrounding the approach to Easter – these being:

 

Flour – the staff of life
Milk – purity
Eggs – creation
Salt – wholesomeness

 

And there you have it – the Pancake Day we know and love today was born!

 

A plate of pancakes

How to Makes Pancakes with a Cornish Twist

Any kind of pancake will follow the same basic recipe. To start off your Cornish pancakes, use the recipe below to make a batch of twelve.

 

Ingredients

• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 300ml milk
• Pinch of salt
• 50g butter

 

Method

1) Sieve the flour into a bowl and gradually whisk in the eggs, milk and salt, until a smooth batter is formed.

 

2) Heat your frying pan on a medium heat and melt a sliver of butter. When hot, pour a thin layer of batter into the pan, heating on high for thirty seconds before reducing the heat and flipping the pancake. Cook on a medium heat for a minute or so, until golden on both sides.

 

3) Repeat this process with the rest of the mixture. You can keep the pancakes warm in a low-heated oven or eat them straight away.

 

4) Serve the pancakes with one of the delicious Cornish topping ideas below!

 

Cornish Pancake Topping Ideas

When it comes to quality local produce, you’ll rarely find any better than what Cornwall has to offer. With famous ice cream and clotted cream, as well as renowned seafood, there are plenty of both sweet and savoury topping ideas for those looking to add Cornish twist to their Pancake Day celebrations!

 

Cornish Clotted Cream – It’s the obvious choice, and sure to taste delicious with a heaping of jam or fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries or raspberries!

 

Cornish Ice Cream – Another delightfully creamy option. Just a spoonful of the beloved Cornish ice cream would make a heavenly topping, but add some sliced banana, chocolate chips or even a taste of Cornish fudge, and you’ll have created something truly indulgent!

 

Savoury Seafood Options – Although many tend to favour sweet pancakes, they can also work exceptionally well with savoury toppings. Why not get inventive with your pancakes and add things like cod, haddock or salmon, or get even more decadent with shellfish like lobster, crab or prawns?

 

Cornish Brie – Another great savoury option, especially if you can get your hands on true Cornish brie. The heat from the pancakes will help melt the brie, giving you a deliciously cheesy treat. Adding garlic mushrooms or ham can elevate this savoury idea even more!

 

What’s your topping of choice? Let us know whether you opt for any of our Cornish-inspired pancake ideas on our social media!


Our Favourite Cornish Language Words for You to Try

July 13th, 2020

While today, English is spoken in Cornwall, did you know that the county once had a language of its own?

 

A Celtish language – akin to Welsh and Breton – the Cornish language, known as Kernewek, stopped being used during the 18th century, but has seen something of a resurgence in more recent years, helped by a revival project. While few speak Cornish as their mother tongue, some have found a connection to their heritage through learning this language.

 

Nowadays, the language is taught in some Cornish schools, with some children also being raised bilingual, or with Cornish as their first language.

 

To celebrate the language, and this aspect of Cornish heritage, we have created a guide to some of the Cornish language words you can learn and try!

 

The Basics

Hello – Dydh da

Goodbye – Dyw genes

Please – Mar pleg

Thank you – Meur ras

Sorry – Drog yw genev

Excuse me – Gav dhymm

What’s your name? – Pyth yw dha hanow?

My name is [name] – Ow hanow yw [name]

 

 

Numbers

One – Onan

Two – Dew

Three – Tri

Four – Peswar

Five – Pymp

Six – Hwegh

Seven – Seyth

Eight – Eth

Nine – Naw

Ten – Deg

 

Days

Monday – Dy’ Lun

Tuesday – Dy’ Meurth

Wednesday – Dy’ Mergher

Thursday – Dy’ Yow

Friday – Dy’ Gwener

Saturday – Dy’ Sadorn

Sunday – Dy’ Sul

 

Places to Visit

Beach – Treth

River – Avon

Lake – Lynn

Ocean – Keynvor

Estuary – Heyl

Waterfall – Dowrlamm

Castle – Kastell

Church – Eglos

Moor – Hal

Valley – Nans

Wood/Forest – Koes

Field – Pras

Mine – Bal

Farm – Bargen-tir

 

We hope these basics have given you a great introduction to the Cornish language. If you want to try out these words, what better place to start than within Cornwall itself?! Our Truro holiday cottages are the perfect place for you to practice!


How to Celebrate St Piran’s Day

February 25th, 2020

St Piran’s Day is almost upon us, so we’re here to tell you all about the history of the celebrations and to take a look at some of the events taking place throughout Cornwall!

What is St Piran’s Day?

St Piran’s Day is the national day for Cornwall and is celebrated on the 5th March each year. Named after Saint Piran, one of the patron saints of Cornwall and of tin miners, the day began as a holiday for, and observed by, Cornish tin miners.

 

The day became a national day in the late 19th Century as a way to celebrate the county in a similar way that other nations do. Since the 1950’s, St Piran’s Day as a celebration has taken-off increasingly, with almost every community in Cornwall hosting events, such as parades, to mark the occasion.

 

Several towns and cities in Cornwall, including Truro, Bodmin and St Ives, allow their staff a day off for the day so that they can properly celebrate! It is also widely believed that St Piran’s Day marks the beginning of spring.

Who was Saint Piran?

As the story goes, Saint Piran was originally an Irish abbot in the 5th century, who was tied to a millstone and thrown into the sea, possibly under orders of the King, who had become wary of his powers.

 

Miraculously, Piran made it to Perranporth on the Northern coast of Cornwall, where he built an oratory to promote Christianity. Local legend says that his first disciples were a badger, bear and fox (so some Cornish children often dress as such animals for the parades).

 

Piran became the Saint of tin-miners, as well as of Cornwall, when he noticed some black rocks smelting by his fire, and discovered white tin pouring out from it. This is where the St Piran’s flag comes from, with the black background as the rock, and the white cross as the tin.

So how do you celebrate the day?

Perrantide

While St Piran’s Day is celebrated on the 5th March, the festivities actually commence around a week before, usually on the 28th February, as ‘Perrantide’.

 

This week is indulgently filled with everything Cornish, from an abundance of pasties to a glass too many of Cornish cider – it’s bound to be a good time! Activities and events leading up to the big day will be hosted in many towns at this time.

Clothing

To celebrate the day, you may want to dress up in the colours of St Piran; black, white and gold. The black and white parts of this are the most important aspects, as this mirrors the Saint Piran’s flag; black background with a large white cross. There is also a traditional Cornish tartan that many people wear on this day.

Parades

Parades are a big part of the St Piran’s festivities, with one taking place in many of the towns throughout the county. Here, local children, choirs and community members will join the parade led by the Cornish flag (also known as the St Piran’s flag!), as a way of celebrating the day, and all that is Cornish!

Three of the biggest parades will be taking part in Perranporth, Redruth, and Truro:

 

Perranporth Parade

As St Piran’s Day falls on a Thursday this year, there will be two celebrations in Perranporth – an event on St Piran’s Day, featuring St Piran on the beach with a range of performances and festivities, as well as the main parade on Sunday 8th March.

 

The Perranporth Parade will journey across the dunes of Perranporth beach to the old church and oratory. The parade is led by ‘St Piran and his animals’, who will reenact the story of St Piran as the parade progresses. There will also be music, entertainment and the opportunity to have a drink or two!

Truro Parade

On St Piran’s Day, Thursday 5th March, the parade in Truro will be leaving at 1pm from St George’s Road. You are welcome to join the parade, or simply to observe – St Piran himself may even be spotted!

 

The parade is filled with singing, dancing and musical performance that will fill the Truro streets with vibrant energy. At 2.30pm, head to the White Hart for a traditional Cornish music session and enjoy a sing-a-long with your pint!

 

Redruth Parade

The Redruth parade will be held on Saturday 7th March, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities before the working week starts again! The parade will commence at noon; however, there will be activities going on throughout the day from 10am until 3pm.

 

As well as street entertainment there will be a Cornish market where you can find some delightful local crafts and produce, among other items. There will also be a display of classic cars, making this a great way to spend the day while celebrating Cornish heritage.

 

Plays

As a way to commemorate the day, many communities will be putting on a play on the 5th March about the life of Saint Piran. While many towns will be hosting such a play, one of the biggest will be performed in Perranporth, the town in which St Piran was said to have first arrived in Cornwall.

Trelawny Shout

At 9pm on St Piran’s Day, those taking part in the celebrations will participate in the ‘Trelawny Shout’, especially if they are enjoying the festivities in a pub!

 

The Trelawny Shout is a sing-along in bars all throughout Cornwall, that includes a number of popular Cornish bar songs. Most notably, the Cornish Anthem, ‘The Song of the Western Men’, will be sung.

 

This tradition is actually quite recent, only having started a few years ago, but it has taken on as a great way to both honour St Piran and celebrate all that Cornish culture and community has to offer.

If you would like to take part in these festivities, then it’s not too late to book a luxury Cornish cottages holiday with us here at The Valley!


5 of the Best Gardens in Cornwall

April 23rd, 2018

Cornwall is renowned for its gorgeous landscapes, especially the incredible coast paths, beaches and cliffs. While known for the stunning seaside, Cornwall is also home to a number of gardens, each with a wide range of different plants, styles and interesting interactive qualities. We take a look at five of our favourite Cornish gardens for you to visit!

 

The Japanese Garden

While the garden may only be set in an acre of land, the Japanese Garden more than makes use of this space, with a Zen Garden, Water Garden and Stroll Garden packed into the gorgeous grounds. In the spring, the garden comes to life, with cherry blossom in full bloom. Transitioning into the summer months an abundance of flowers can be found, with a fascinating fusion of traditional and exotic blooms, including bonsai trees, bamboo, Japanese maples and succulents. From the tranquillity of the Zen garden to the calming sounds of the waterfall, and the colourful Koi carp swirling in the water, you’ll feel completely relaxed here!

 

Trebah

Trebah

This award-winning garden is a sub-tropical paradise, complete with Mediterranean plants, Australian tree ferns and a natural spring. The spring water drops into the Koi pool and flows through the whole garden before forming a large duck pond at the opposite end of the grounds. Trebah is a garden perfect for plant lovers and family’s alike, with plenty to see and experience. Alongside the exciting play areas, the gardens host an impressive bamboo tunnel, a passage of giant rhubarb leaves and amphitheatre. At the edge of the grounds, you can also find the private beach, where the crystal clear waters of the Helford Estuary lap at the coast, making for a picture-perfect view!

 

Lost Gardens of Heligan

Lost Gardens of Heligan

Having been ‘lost’ to years of overgrown plants and no maintenance, the Gardens were finally restored and unveiled in 1992 as the ‘garden restoration of the century’. Get lost in the winding paths and exotic jungle plants that decorate the 200-acre estate, including towering bamboo tunnels, banana plantations and giant rhubarb. Experience the wonderful wildlife on the woodland walk, with fantastic flora and fauna, as well as the Giant’s Head, Grey Lady and Mud Maid providing some exciting sights on the way!

 

Glendurgan

Glendurgan

Looking stunning year round, the waterside garden of Glendurgan is luscious and exotic. In the spring, the magnolias and camellias come to life, with the beautiful blooms adding a touch of colour to the grounds. Glendurgan is perfect for families, with the cherry laurel maze, created in 1833, providing an exciting activity for children and adults alike! Children also love the ‘Giant’s Stride’ swing – swirling you through the air – if you hold on tight!

 

Trelissick

With stunning views out over the Fal Estuary, Trelissick sits on the water’s edge, boasting 40-acres of equally breath-taking gardens. The gardens truly come to life in the spring, with incredible displays of colour from the camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. The tranquil gardens lead to the main feature of the area; Trelissick house, which is open for the public to explore and learn about the rich history. If that wasn’t enough, Trelissick is also framed by a whopping 375-acres of woodland, with oak, beech and conifer trees lining the riverside slopes; perfect for a day of exploring!

 

If you’re a nature lover and want to explore all that these Cornish gardens have to offer, then why not come and stay with us at the best family resort in Cornwall!? We’re perfectly located to visit these fantastic gardens, as well as the Roseland Peninsula and Cornwall’s amazing coast.


Cornish Pasty Week

February 19th, 2018

When asked to think of Cornwall, it surely won’t be long until the iconic and beloved Cornish pasty comes to mind. As such a staple of Cornish life, it only seems right that the pasty has been awarded its own celebratory week this year, with the first ever ‘Cornish Pasty Week’ kicking off on Sunday 25th February. Beginning on Sunday, a whole week of pasty related activities will be taking place, ending in the ‘Oggy Oscars’, the World Pasty Championship, held at the Eden Project on the 3rd of March.

The events, hosted by the Cornish Pasty Association, so far include pasty-making sessions, with essential crimping techniques being taught in local community groups and schools, as well as pasty themed pub quizzes and kids craft workshops! In the spirit of the week, many pasty shops around the county will be offering discounts and deals, ensuring you get the most pasties you possibly can out of pasty week!

Culminating in the World Pasty Championship at the end of the week-long pasty festivities, keen bakers are in with a chance of winning the ‘Pasty Pageant’ with their Cornish bakes. Registration for entering the competition is still open until midday on the 1st March, so it is not too late if you wanted to try your hand at competitive pasty making. Don’t worry if your pasty skills aren’t quite perfect though, as there are several categories available to enter.

There are four skill level categories, company (such as bakeries), professional (those working as a professional cook or caterer), amateur (over-16s not working as a professional cook), and junior (those under 15). These skill categories are then each split into two sections, one for those producing Cornish pasties, made following a traditional recipe, and one for pasties made using more unconventional ingredients, or that have been made outside of Cornwall. There is a Protected Geographical Indication on Cornish pasties, meaning that only those baked within Cornwall, using a traditional recipe, can actually be considered Cornish pasties! As such, the winner of last years ‘professional’ Cornish pasty category, who came from Canada, had to travel to Cornwall to bake his entry in order to legally class his pasty as Cornish.

If you want to enter the competition, you must bake two identical pasties; one for the judges to try, and one to be put on display in the Pasty Hall of Fame! The pasties should be baked the day before and must be between one and eight degrees Celsius when they are brought to the Eden Project between 9am and 10am on the 3rd March. The judged pasty will then be reheated at 180 degrees Celsius for the judges to enjoy! To enter the championships and for more information, find the details here on the Eden Project’s website.

Registration costs £10 per adult entrant and £5 for a junior entrant, which includes the admission price for the Eden Project, and a plus one. Visitors to the Eden Project can watch the championships taking place for free with an Eden admission. If you would love to take part in this pasty pageant, or just want to join in with the pasty related festivities, why not book a Cornwall short breaks at one of our luxury cottages?!


Upcoming Events: Cornish Pasty Week

When asked to think of Cornwall, it surely won’t be long until the iconic and beloved Cornish pasty comes to mind. As such a staple of Cornish life, it only seems right that the pasty has been awarded its own celebratory week this year, with the first ever ‘Cornish Pasty Week’ kicking off on Sunday 25th February. Beginning on Sunday, a whole week of pasty related activities will be taking place, ending in the ‘Oggy Oscars’, the World Pasty Championship, held at the Eden Project on the 3rd of March.

The events, hosted by the Cornish Pasty Association, so far include pasty-making sessions, with essential crimping techniques being taught in local community groups and schools, as well as pasty themed pub quizzes and kids craft workshops! In the spirit of the week, many pasty shops around the county will be offering discounts and deals, ensuring you get the most pasties you possibly can out of pasty week!

Culminating in the World Pasty Championship at the end of the week-long pasty festivities, keen bakers are in with a chance of winning the ‘Pasty Pageant’ with their Cornish bakes. Registration for entering the competition is still open until midday on the 1st March, so it is not too late if you wanted to try your hand at competitive pasty making. Don’t worry if your pasty skills aren’t quite perfect though, as there are several categories available to enter.

 

There are four skill level categories, company (such as bakeries), professional (those working as a professional cook or caterer), amateur (over-16s not working as a professional cook), and junior (those under 15). These skill categories are then each split into two sections, one for those producing Cornish pasties, made following a traditional recipe, and one for pasties made using more unconventional ingredients, or that have been made outside of Cornwall. There is a Protected Geographical Indication on Cornish pasties, meaning that only those baked within Cornwall, using a traditional recipe, can actually be considered Cornish pasties! As such, the winner of last years ‘professional’ Cornish pasty category, who came from Canada, had to travel to Cornwall to bake his entry in order to legally class his pasty as Cornish.

If you want to enter the competition, you must bake two identical pasties; one for the judges to try, and one to be put on display in the Pasty Hall of Fame! The pasties should be baked the day before and must be between one and eight degrees Celsius when they are brought to the Eden Project between 9am and 10am on the 3rd March. The judged pasty will then be reheated at 180 degrees Celsius for the judges to enjoy! To enter the championships and for more information, find the details here on the Eden Project’s website.

Registration costs £10 per adult entrant and £5 for a junior entrant, which includes the admission price for the Eden Project, and a plus one. Visitors to the Eden Project can watch the championships taking place for free with an Eden admission. If you would love to take part in this pasty pageant, or just want to join in with the pasty related festivities, why not book a Cornwall short breaks at one of our luxury cottages?!

 


Traditional Cornish Pasty Recipe to Warm You this Winter

December 14th, 2017

With snow falling all around and the weather getting colder every day, there is nothing better than a tasty Cornish pasty to warm away the winter chills. The pasty in Cornwall originates from the 17th century, when the miners in the area needed a filling all-in-one meal that would withstand a trip down a mine shaft. Typically a pasty consists of a vegetable and meat filling within a pastry circle, featuring one thicker, crimped crust.

The flour used for the shortcrust pastry should be stronger than normal, as the extra strength in the gluten is needed to produce a pastry that is strong and pliable. Beef skirt is typically used in Cornish pasties as it has no gristle and minimal fat, and also as it cooks in the same amount of time as the vegetables used. For the potatoes, use a firm waxy variety such as a Maris Peer, as floury potatoes tend to disintegrate and go to mash.

Recipe to make six traditional Cornish pasties:

 

Shortcrust pastry:

500g strong bread flour

120g lard

125g Cornish butter

1 tsp salt

175ml cold water

For the filling:

450g quality beef skirt, cut into cubes

450g potato, diced

250g swede, diced

200g onion, sliced

Beaten egg to glaze

Salt and pepper

Method:

1- Rub the lard and butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.

 

2- Gradually add a small amount of water to bring the mixture together and knead until the pastry feels elastic.

 

3- Cover the pastry with cling film and leave it to rest in the fridge for around three hours. This will help make the rolling stage easier.

 

4- Roll the pastry out and cut circles of approximately 20cm diameter. A side plate is a great size to use a guide.

 

5- Layer all of the vegetables and meat on to the pastry and season.

 

6- Bring the pastry together and crimp the edges. To do this, gently brush the edge of the pastry with water, then fold one half of the pastry over the filling to the other, and squeeze the edges together firmly. Use your index finger and thumb to twist the edge of the pastry over to form the crimp. Repeat this the entire way along the edge of the pasty. Tuck the corners in underneath.

 

7- Glaze the pasty using a beaten egg.

 

8- Bake for 50-55 minutes at 165 degrees C

 

If you would rather try a genuine Cornish pasty in their home county, why not look for luxury family Christmas holidays in Cornwall and enjoy getting warm with a delicious bite!