Autumn Orchard Hand Pies with Maple Seed Crunch

Ingredients

• all-purpose flour2 cups
• cold butter, cubed1 cup
• ice water1/2 cup
• apple, peeled and diced1 large
• pear, peeled and diced1 large
• brown sugar1/4 cup
• ground cinnamon1 teaspoon
• cornstarch1 tablespoon
• egg, beaten1
• mixed seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower)1/3 cup
• maple syrup2 tablespoons

Method

1. 1Make the dough by rubbing the cold butter into the flour until pea-sized pieces remain, then add ice water just until it comes together.
2. 2Chill the dough for 20 minutes while you prepare the filling.
3. 3Cook the apple, pear, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a skillet for 5-7 minutes until glossy and thick, then cool slightly.
4. 4Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
5. 5Roll out the dough and cut it into 8 circles or squares; add filling to half of each piece and seal into hand pies with a forked edge.
6. 6Brush with beaten egg and bake for 18-22 minutes until deeply golden.
7. 7Stir the seeds with maple syrup and a pinch of salt, then scatter over the warm pies.

Tips

• Keep the butter very cold for flakier dough; small visible butter pieces are ideal.
• Let the filling cool a bit before assembling so it does not soften the dough.
• Seal the edges well to prevent leaks during baking.

Nutrition