Have you ever spent time in the Midwest? If yes, then you already know that food there is more than just what is on the plate. In fact, when it comes to the Midwest, be it a greeting at the door, a memory from childhood, or a connection to family and place of love, food is the backbone of their culture.
From casseroles at potlucks to pies cooling on the window ledge and the delicious, scrumptious, and flaky pasty, Midwestern kitchens have always been about comfort and heart. That’s exactly why Happiness in a Hand Pie: The Pasty Cookbook by Mercedes Kelly is an amazing cookbook that should grace every shelf in the region.
This book offers a dedicated collection of recipes that celebrates traditional history, seasonal cooking, and the kind of honest food that always cherishes body and soul. Whether you grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, come from Cornish roots, or just appreciate the value of homemade meals, this book will be a timeless addition that will indeed connect you with nostalgia.
Mercedes inspired from ingredients that are familiar to many Midwestern cooks. Potatoes, carrots, rutabagas, and onions appear often in the pages, all used in creative ways. Recipes like the Beef Pasty, Chicken Pasty, and Veggie Pasty are made from the staples that are found in local gardens or small-town shops. Her fillings are simple, affordable, and flexible, making them ideal for home cooks who want to get dinner on the table without any inconvenience.
This book includes sweet pasties like Blueberry and Cherry, plus small-batch chutneys like Apple and Peach. Highlighting the seasonality of regional fruit, these recipes fit perfectly with a summer picnic or an autumn trip to the orchard. The Breakfast Pasty, made with eggs, sausage, and potatoes, brings to mind fairgrounds, early morning tailgates, and packed lunchboxes. Each recipe belongs to Midwestern life.
Mercedes gives the tradition point to grow. She includes vegetarian, seafood, and pizza-inspired versions, which are perfect for modern taste buds and busy families. Her instructions are very clear, easy to follow, and understandable, even for beginners. From mixing the dough to sealing the crust, every step is explained in detail. This makes the book approachable for new chefs or those who love to make meals from scratch.
Mercedes also shares her personal story throughout the book. For example, when she was a social worker, she started a small pasty business in Ann Arbor. The way food brought her community together was invaluable. These moments embody the values that Midwesterners hold dear: hard work, hospitality, and gratitude.
At the back of the cookbook, you’ll find blank pages labeled “Family Recipe.” Mercedes invites you to write down your experiences and pass them on. It’s a small but meaningful gesture of love that turns this book into something personal and lasting, which provides more love for her work.
In the end, the book includes practical freezing and reheating tips. Whether you’re keeping the stock in the freezer for the week or pulling this together as a last-minute meal, these guides make planning easier for the readers. You can cook once, eat twice, and still enjoy the same flavor and comfort.
Happiness in a Hand Pie is more than a cookbook. It’s a tribute to local traditions, seasonal eating, and the kind of meals that bring people together. For anyone who values warmth, honesty, and good homemade food, this book should truly belong in your kitchen.
Grab your copy from Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7GPGCM9/.
