Natchitoches Meat Pies (Emeril Lagasse) Recipe

Directions:

1. Preheat the fryer. In a large saute pan, over medium heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot add the meat and brown, stirring and cooking for 5 minutes. Add the onions, peppers, celery, salt, pepper, Essence and cayenne. Stirring often, cook the mixture until the vegetables are wilted, about 12 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 2 minutes longer. Dissolve the flour in the water, making a slurry, and add to the meat mixture. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and cool. In a mixing bowl, sift the flour, salt and baking powder together. Cut the shortening into flour mixture, until it resembles coarse texture. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg and the milk together. Work the egg mixture into the dry ingredients until you achieve a thick, yet workable dough. Form into a ball and cut into 24 equal pieces. Dust each piece with a little flour, roll each piece into a 2 to 3-inch round. Place a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture slightly off center. Fold it over to make the edges meet and crimp with a fork. Place the meat pies in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove the pies from the oil and drain on a paper-lined plate and season with Essence. Serve the meat pies with the Creole Tartar Sauce.
2. Creole Tartar Sauce:
3. Put the egg, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and green onions in a food processor and puree for 15 seconds. With the processor running, pour the oil through the feed tube in a steady stream. Add the cayenne, mustard, and salt and pulse once or twice to blend.
4. Cover and let sit for 1 hour in the refrigerator before using. Best if used within 24 hours.
5. *RAW EGG WARNING
6. Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs due to the slight risk of Salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly-refrigerated, clean, grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.
7. Emeril's Essence Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):
8. Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
9. Yield: 2/3 cup