My mother-in-law, who is Ukrainian, has been over here to visit several times now, and on her first visit was taught how to make a pasty. She then decided to have a go herself, the result was one of the best pasties that I have ever tasted...... the difference was that she made her own pastry Now, when we go over on our annual pilgrimage, we take swede with us, as they don't seem to have any in Ukraine, the rest of the ingredients are readily available, and she always makes pasties at least once during our 3 week stay
The wife does a good job too, but she buys her pastry in, and it makes a huge difference.