It’s apple season in Ontario and soon enough the apple baked goods will be rolling out all over. I wanted to bake something that is easily transported to work so I made apple hand pies.
The biggest aspect of baking I have discovered is being creative with what you make. I made some pear hand pies this spring and they turned out alright. So I decided to downsize the pastries, switch the pears for apples and changed the spices.
Pie crust recipe
2 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cups unsalted butter
1 tsp salt
5-7 tbsps water
Pie crust directions
In a large bowl, mix together the flour and softened butter until it loosely resembles crumbly dough, then add the salt and water. Once you mix it all together, the dough will form. I typically use this crust for both the top and bottom of pies. You can bake it as you would a frozen pie crust.
For these hand pies, I made two batches of pie crust (If buying preface pie crust, get two packs). This will make about 30 hand pies.
For the filling
4 apples of your choice (I used Granny Smith) peeled and chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cinnamon (adjust based on your preference)
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp water (helps to distribute spices)
1 tbsp flour or cornstarch
Filling Directions
In a bowl, mix the apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, water and flour/cornstarch. Let it sit while you prepare the dough.
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Roll out the dough (using half at a time). Use a round bowl or cookie cutter about 4 x 4 inches wide to make the pie cutouts.
On a large cookie pan, place parchment paper. Lay the pie cutouts once you have them ready.
You can create the cutouts all at once.
Place filling on to pie cutouts as you see fit (the dough has to be able to comfortably fold in half).
Next, wet the edges of the pie crusts. Fold them in half and push gently to ensure the pie crust is sealed. Using a fork, go around the edges for the ruffle effect. Cut slits along the flat side of the hand pie to allow for steam to evaporate.
Once you are content with the style of the pies, place them evenly on the pan and place into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for the oozing of apple filling and you will know they are ready.
Let them cool appropriately and enjoy alone, with ice cream or whipped cream!
They are sure to be a hit with your friends, family or colleagues.
Happy baking!