Hand Pies: A Deliciously Portable Treat
Hand pies are the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness. These individual pastries are easy to make, fun to eat, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're packing a lunch, attending a picnic, or simply satisfying a sweet or savory craving, hand pies are a delightful choice. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating your own batch of these portable delights.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for beginner bakers. Feel free to adjust the filling to your preference!
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling (choose your favorite!):
- Apple Pie Filling: 4-5 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced), ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Savory Chicken Filling: Cooked chicken (shredded), ½ cup diced onion, ½ cup diced bell pepper, 1/4 cup chicken broth, herbs (like thyme and rosemary)
- Sweet Berry Filling: 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Perfect Hand Pies
This section guides you through the process of creating both the crust and the filling, ensuring a delightful hand pie experience.
Making the Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Preparing the Filling:
The filling preparation varies depending on your choice. Here are some basic guidelines:
- For fruit fillings: Combine your chosen fruit, sugar, and thickening agent (flour or cornstarch) in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the filling thickens. Let cool completely.
- For savory fillings: Sauté your chosen ingredients (like chicken, onions, and peppers) until cooked through. Season to your taste.
Assembling and Baking the Hand Pies:
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut Out Circles: Use a 4-5 inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Fill the Circles: Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. You can also use a decorative knife or your fingers to create a beautiful edge.
- Bake: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little milk or egg wash for a golden brown finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the hand pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Tips for Hand Pie Success
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are key to a flaky crust.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough: Chilling allows the gluten to relax, creating a more tender crust.
- Get creative with fillings: Experiment with different sweet and savory combinations.
Hand pies are a fantastic way to utilize leftover ingredients and create a personalized treat. Get baking and enjoy the delicious results!
