The Forfar Bridie - McLaren Bakers (2024)

FAQs

What is a bridie in Scotland? ›

A Forfar Bridie is a horseshoe-shaped meat product. It has a shortcrust cover and the filling consists of beef, onions and seasoning. The Famous Forfar Bridie. They originated in the early part of the 19th century.

IT'S OFFICIAL ... Forres butchers make the best bridies in Scotland! Ronnie Murdoch (right) and son Aiden with some of the award-winning savouries. High Street firm, Murdoch Brothers, scooped a Diamond Award in the Scottish Craft Butchers Savoury Pastry Products Awards 2017.

Local stories claim the 'Forfar Bridie' originated from one Margaret Bridie of Glamis who sold these meat pasties at the Buttermarket at Forfar in the eighteenth century. Recent genealogical research shows that there was a Margaret Bridie who lived in the first part of the eighteenth century in Glamis.

History and preparation

Bridies are said "to have been 'invented' by a Forfar baker in the 1850s". The name may refer to the pie's frequent presence on wedding menus, or to Margaret Bridie of Glamis, "who sold them at the Buttermarket in Forfar".

All over Scotland, every town, village and street would have its own sweetie shop, the sweetie wives collecting names such as Candy Kate, Sweetie Annie, or Taffie Knott. Often as not they would make their own toffee and tablet.

wee goldie An affectionate term for a glass of whisky: 'Ah'm fur a wee goldie this time. 'Gsw.

While Cornish pasties are made with shortcrust pastry, most bridies are made with flaky pastry. Though bridies in Forfar are also made with shortcrust pastry, they tend to be a little softer. Unlike pasties, bridies do not contain potatoes - they are filled with minced steak, beef suet, and sometimes onions.

Preheat oven to 180°C or gas Mark 4 (adjust accordingly for fan assisted ovens). Place on oven tray. Reheat for approximately 20-25 minutes. Always ensure food is piping hot before serving.

A hearty savoury pastie

Shredded beef and onion mixed with rich gravy, laid in puff pastry, then folded over and baked.

(ˈfɔːfər , -fɑː ) noun. a market town in E Scotland, the administrative centre of Angus: site of a castle, residence of Scottish kings between the 11th and 14th centuries.

What is Forfar, Scotland famous for? ›

Forfar is easily accessible from Dundee and Aberdeen, via the A90. The town was once the seat of Scotland's King Malcolm Canmore and is famous for its witches who once danced on graves and frolicked with the devil. Find out more at the Meffan Museum.

Bridie, the name given to the delightful pies still known everywhere as Forfar Bridies.

Throughout history, the name Bridie has been used to honor the revered Saint Brd, also known as Saint Brigid of Ireland. Saint Brd was a 5th-century Irish Christian nun who founded several convents across Ireland. She is celebrated for her compassion, miracles, and devotion to education and the arts.

Celtic Baby Names Meaning:

In Celtic Baby Names the meaning of the name Bridie is: ACeltic Bridget, meaning strong. Although Bride was once a common name in England and Scotland, it is rarely seen today.

Bridie fits perfectly with the trend for standalone vintage nicknames like Betty and Sadie, but is surprisingly rare.

The 'Forfar Bridie' differs from other pasties in that they are made using only shortcrust pastry and without potatoes therefore much lighter in texture. The ingredients are raw when the pasty is assembled and freshly prepared.

Bridie, the name given to the delightful pies still known everywhere as Forfar Bridies.

A Scottish Bridie is simple hand-held meat pie made in a horseshoe shape. It usually contains beef, and sometimes onion, and a few various seasonings.

Bridie is a feminine name of Irish origin that stems from the name Brigid, meaning “exalted one; fire goddess; power, strength, vigor; virtue.” Bridie is light and lovely, with a background steeped in Celtic mysticism.