Preparation time: 2 hours
(with food processor)
Cooking time: 1 1/2 hours
10-12 servings

6 lbs. stewing chicken or fowl
5-6 onions, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
12 lbs. potatoes, peeled and finally grated (or frozen 'rappie pie potatoes)
1/4 lb. salt pork, diced
2 tbsp. butter or lard
6 strips bacon

1.  Cut chicken into pieces and place in saucepan; add chopped onions, last and pepper.  Cover with water and simmer 1 1/2 - 2 hours or until tender. Reserve the broth.  Remove meat from bones and cut into pieces. (Pork, beef or venison may be substituted for chicken.)
2.  While chicken is cooking, peel and finely grate raw potatoes.  Keep peeled potatoes in cold water and, if using a food processor, grate about 10 potatoes at a time.  Place grated potato in a cloth bag (or tea towel) and squeeze until all water and starch is removed and potatoes are quite dry.  (The liquid extracted must be measured so the exact amount can be replaced later with chicken broth.)
3.  Place diced salt pork in skillet and fry until fat is rendered out and 'scrunchions' are crisp.
4.  Place potatoes in a large bowl or pot and stir to loosen.  Measure chicken broth to replace water taken out of potatoes.  Heat chicken broth to boiling then add potatoes, a little at a time, mixing well.  The potatoes will begin to cook in the broth and take on a 'jelly-like' appearance.  (Some potatoes will have darkened slightly but this is unavoidable and will not affect the taste of the pie.)
5.  Preheat oven to 400deg. F.  Grease 12X17X2-inch pan.  Spread 'scrunchions' and pork fat over the base. Spread half the potatoes mixture over pork scraps.  Layer meat and chopped onions over potato.  Finally, layer remaining potatoes mixture over meat.
6.  Dot butter or lard over top of pie.  Spread bacon strips over top--this will help crust to brown and crisp.  Place pie in 400deg oven for 1-2 hours or until a brown crust is formed.  Serve piping hot.

The most popular of all traditional Acadian recipes is Pate a la rapure...or, as it is more commonly known,
rappie pie.  This delectable dish remains a favourite main course for festive occasions and Sunday dinners.  And, in later summer, many families prepare fresh apple or cranberry sauce as a accompaniment....making rappie pie even more a taste sensation for every member of the family.