Author's Note

In the novel Living on the Fringe, at the tender age of fourteen, Ilse found herself uprooted from Germany to England, just before the onset of World War I. Adjusting to a new country proved challenging, as her shy demeanor and distinctive German accent attracted the attention of bullies among her peers. Recognizing the strain on her well-being, Ilse's parents made the decision to withdraw her from school.

While her classmates pursued conventional education, Ilse's days were shaped by a different rhythm. Her parents, employed at the local hospital, became her educators, and Ilse transformed into a voracious learner. Like a sponge, she absorbed a wealth of information, turning each day into an opportunity for intellectual growth.

As the war unfolded, Ilse matured, and on her nineteenth birthday, she found herself at a garrison, a far cry from the teenage girl who had once struggled to fit in. The camaraderie of the men she worked with manifested in a heartfelt gesture: a birthday dinner featuring minced pie. In this moment, surrounded by colleagues who had become a surrogate community, Ilse experienced a rare sense of belonging. The laughter, the shared meal, and the harmonious rendition of "Happy Birthday" stitched together a memory that stood as a testament to resilience and the forging of unexpected bonds in the face of historical turbulence.

*Ilse replaced milk with beef broth in later years for a Kosher recipe for her Jewish husband.

Ilse’s English Mince Pie

Embark on a culinary journey through the pages of 'Timeless Legacy: Living on The Fringe,' and discover Ilse's story of resilience and belonging, symbolized by a heartwarming Minced Pie. Uprooted from Germany to England as a teenager, Ilse's transition during the tumultuous times of World War I is marked by challenges and growth. This recipe, which became a symbol of her journey to acceptance and community, features a savory minced beef filling, enriched with onions and carrots, and topped with a buttery, smooth mashed potato crust. Perfectly seasoned and baked to a golden brown, this Minced Pie is more than just a dish; it's a testament to Ilse's transformation and the unexpected bonds forged in the heart of historical turbulence. As you recreate this recipe, let each bite take you back to that special birthday dinner, where laughter and shared meals turned colleagues into a surrogate family, offering a glimpse into Ilse's world of adaptation and the power of simple, nourishing food.

Ingredients
  • For the Filling
  • 1 pound minced beef (ground beef)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
  • For the Potato Topping
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Milk (for mashing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. For the Filling
  2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. In a skillet, brown the minced beef over medium heat
  4. Add chopped onion and diced carrots. Cook until vegetables are softened.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
  6. Pour in beef broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the filling is cooked through.
  8. Remove from heat and set aside
  9. For the Potato Topping
  10. Boil the diced potatoes until tender.
  11. Mash the potatoes with butter and a splash of milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  12. Baking
  13. Spread the beef and vegetable filling in a baking dish.
  14. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them evenly. Alternatively pipe the potatoes using a bakers bag for a design you prefer.
  15. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the potato topping.
  16. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the potato topping is golden brown.

Prep time: 45 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Serves: 8 Servings

Category: Dinner

Cuisine: International

Updated: 1 month ago

Ilse’s English Mince PieSocial Media Image
#LivingOnTheFringe #Ilse