- Hand Pie Crusts: Pre-made or homemade pie crusts (keyword: hand pies, pie crusts)
- Egg Wash: For glazing the top of the hand pies (keyword: egg wash)
Steps
### Autumn Spiced Apple and Pear Hand Pies Recipe
#### Introduction
Enjoy the fall season with these delectable hand pies that are perfect for sharing or savoring solo! Filled with sweet apples and pears infused with autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, this recipe combines traditional flavors with a modern twist. Serve them warm, straight out of the oven, with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a scoop of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
#### Ingredients
- 20 oz (570g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks/227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4 tbsp water
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
- 3 cups thinly sliced pears (about 3 large)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp cardamom
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
#### Equipment Needed
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Pie Crust**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add water while gently incorporating it into the dry ingredients with a fork. The dough should come together without being too wet.
2. **Roll Out the Dough**
- Divide the dough in half and shape each piece into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or pie cutters to make circles.
3. **Prepare the Fruit Filling**
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples and pears with sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well coated.
- Arrange half of the fruit mixture in the center of each dough circle, leaving about 1 inch around the edges.
4. **Assemble the Hand Pies**
- Brush the edges with a little bit of water to help seal the pies.
- Cover the filling with another circle of dough and press the edges together gently to seal tightly. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges if desired for a decorative touch.
5. **Bake the Hand Pies**
- Place hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Prick each pie with a fork to vent.
- Bake in preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
6. **Cool and Serve**
- Let the hand pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm, spiced treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel sauce.
### Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional sugar on top just before baking for a crisper crust.
- Use a variety of apple and pear varieties to enhance flavors and textures.
#### SEO Keywords:
Autumn Spiced Apple and Pear Hand Pies, Fall Desserts, Homemade Hand Pies, Apple Pie Variations, Seasonal Baking Recipes
By following these detailed steps, you can create delicious autumn spiced apple and pear hand pies that are perfect for any fall gathering or as a cozy treat on a chilly evening. Enjoy the process and the delightful flavors!