Pasties--get 'em while they're hot!

Talk about it

For those of us who have lived in northern Minnesota, there are particular foods that come to mind as the weather gets colder. Outside of the region folks may be confused when they hear the names, but around here these dishes are part of the local lexicon—booya, fish cakes, potica, hot dish and of course, pasties.

On Oct. 24-26 the Fortitude Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star will be having its semi-annual pasty sale. Call, place your order and eat them in the car on the way home or freeze them to satisfy a late night comfort-food craving some stormy night.

Ken Larson, 85, and a member of the lodge, is just one of a team of volunteers who makes the meat and vegetable-filled pastries. He said he has been lending a hand in the operation for the past 30 years.

“We make an average of 1,400 of them twice a year, in April and then in October,” he said. He’s not sure where the recipe originated, he said, but he has been perfecting it over the years. Each pasty is made from beef and a variety of vegetables.

“It’s a good meal in each one,” said Larson. From his description of the ingredients and the quantities used, each pasty weighs approximately a pound.

When it comes to pasties in northern Minnesota, people generally fall into one of two camps—rutabaga or no rutabaga. The Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star are one step ahead. They offer both and also offer a vegetarian option; just ask. They’ll also try to accommodate other special requests from within the usual list of ingredients. No onions? No problem. Hold the carrots? Can do. Just don’t ask for gravy or ketchup—those are up to you.

Orders are being taken now at 834-4165 or 834-5517 or 834-4462. On the days of the sale, call 830-0595. Each pasty is $5 and monies raised go to good causes.

The proceeds from the pasty sale stay in the community, said Larson. In the past, contributions have been made to the Two Harbors Area Food Shelf and annual scholarships have been awarded to high school seniors to help pay for college. Some of the money will also go to the lodge to pay necessary expenses.

Tags: life, food