Judi Love is a National Treasure - Braised Beef & Butter Bean Pie [@NLi10]

 My partner picked me up a Judi Love's Braised Beef & Butter Bean Pie on a rare Sainsbury's trip - and even took some photos for me as I was at work!

Much more artistic than my usual snaps

For those not in England, this isn't a lady called Judi who loves pie (although lets face it - we all do) it's a celebrity whose name is Judi Love.  She shows up on things, and comes across as someone genuine and that would be a laugh to hang out with.  If she invited you to dinner you'd go, and you'd make an effort with your dinner gift.

Here is a picture of Judi presumably preparing for an interview.  I'd have said Passport photo, but you aren't allowed to smile in those anymore.  Maybe this is to indicate that she's taking the pie seriously.

So far so good - meat & bean pie.  Not exactly common - but sounds good.  Higgidy always deliver too so this should be good.

And spicy? Yes please!

Raw version

Cooked version - with olives because everything needs olives.

Pie is a little more spacious on the inside than some luxury pies - but no less filling.  The meat is insane quality - I mean this isn't pie meat.  This is more like when my dad makes pies and finely slices steak and top cuts of pork.  Full marks. And the beans are whole too - and have had space and time to soak up the sauce.  

The spice level is more of a two chilli level. I can't give this pie to my sister without her exploding, but for me this is spot on.  Probably more suited to a few potatoes and some winter greens than garlic bread that needed using up - but we will know for next time.

For there shall indeed be a next time.  Hopefully this isn't a limited time thing, and hopefully they got Judi to make a whole range.  She's a great comedian, and now great at getting Higgidy/Sainsbury's to make exciting pies.  A national treasure for sure.