Authentic Jamaican Meat Patties

These are the real thing!
Not like those in the grocery store deli.
These are quite mild tasting.
Add chili peppers or the like to
spice them up if you like them hot.

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon tumeric
2/3 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup cold water
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup water

To make filling: Brown onion and ground beef in oil. Add salt,
curry powder, thyme and pepper. Cook one minute. Add breadcrumbs,
then water. Cook over low heat for 2 or 3 minutes. The mixture
should not be watery. Let cool completely.

To make pastry: Combine flour, baking powder, curry powder, salt
and tumeric in bowl. Cut in shortening and butter until mixture
resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water and form ball of dough.
Divide the dough into 16 equal portions and set aside.

Directions:
Set the oven at 350 degrees F.
Roll out dough into thin circle about 6 inches in diameter.
Place a scoop (about 1/4 cup) of meat mixture on circle of dough.
Dip fingers in glass of water and moisten edges of the dough.
Fold the circle in half, covering the meat, and press edges together
with a fork. Trim edges with a knife if they are a little ragged.
Prick top crust with a fork and place on baking sheet.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is cooked and lightly browned.
Serve hot or cold. Makes 16 patties. These freeze well.