The traditional food of Cornish immigrants, pasties exist as a hearty Michigan delicacy most commonly associated with the Upper Peninsula. Though pasties’ roots are found in the British Isles, Cornish miners brought these pastries into the copper mines and heated them over their shovels. Debate exists over what constitutes a traditional pasty, with most composed of either ground or cubed beef, potatoes, and onions in a freestanding crust. However, other cooks also add rutabagas and carrots to these pies. With the heyday of the mines long past, the pasty still remains popular in Northern Michigan and can be enjoyed in many shops throughout the region.
