Apple Hand Pies

It's beginning to look a lot like the holidays! And as those close to me know, the holidays are one of my most favorite times of year. Family, friends, food, festivities and fun all rolled into one? What could be better! 

However, I'm not sure if anyone else is feeling this way this year, but it appears that somehow I got up from my beach chair back in July and was instantly transported to November 14, only days before Thanksgiving! With the first snow already behind us (in New England, that is!), the holidays seem to be rushing onward with a vengeance and I'm starting to wish I had a remote control for life to sloooow thiiiings dooown. I love the holidays for the quality time they give us with the people we love, so, life, if you could kindly stop this whole barreling-through-the-holidays-in-a-blur-of-turkey-and-gingerbread-and-christmas-carols charade, then I think this special time of year would become much more enjoyable. :)

In the interest of savoring all of the flavors and experiences of the holidays, I'd highly recommend whipping up a batch of these delicious Apple Hand Pies. In addition to being just plain adorable, they're a fun way to switch up the traditional apple pie served every year for Thanksgiving. And, hey, they have major portion control benefits, too! That is, of course, if you can limit yourself to just one -- and that is easier said than done!

The recipe is both a cinch to put together and budget friendly because you can use Pillsbury's pre-made pie crust. If you're up for the challenge, you can always use your favorite homemade pie dough recipe, too. Either way, these pies are the perfect way to make your holiday guests feel right at home. Enjoy!

Apple Hand Pies

Ingredients:
1 package Pillsbury pie crust
4 medium Apples, peeled, cored and diced
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1 egg, for egg wash
1 Tablespoon water for egg wash

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with aluminum foil.

2. Toss the apples, sugars, flour, lemon juice and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Add room temperature butter (in small cubes) to apple mixture and combine thoroughly.

3. Unwrap one Pillsbury pie crust (keep other in the refrigerator until ready to use). Place pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Using a medium sized drinking glass (or any shape or size cutter of your liking!), cut out circles, re-rolling re-rolling scraps (if they start to get warm, refrigerate then roll in 15-20 minutes).

4. Whisk together egg and water. Brush dough circles with egg wash. Pile about 1/4 cup of apple mixture in the center of the circle, leaving a border around the edges. Place a second dough circle atop each filled circle then use a fork to crimp the edges together, sealing each pie.

5. Place hand pie on lined sheet pan, brush top with egg wash, and score with a knife if desired. Repeat to fill sheet pan, placing hand pies at least an inch apart.

6. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until golden. While first pan bakes, continue rolling, filling and sealing remaining dough.

7. After finished baking, allow to cool for 15 minutes and serve.

Makes about 24 pies.