Cornwall's contribution to the world of meat pastries is a simple hand pie filled with meat and root vegetables. Although the cornish pasty association has strict rules regarding what exactly can go in an official cornish pasty , on this side of the pond it's safe to add a few extra ingredients other than the essentials. Traditionally, this pie is meant to eat standing on a lunch break, but add a pot of tea or some strong ale and light green salad and these humble pasties can be the cornerstone of an excellent brunch.