Every week, we’re spotlighting a different food blogger who’s shaking up the blogosphere with tempting recipes and knockout photography. Below, Robyn Andrea Burgess of Runaway Apricot shares her recipe for the perfect winter pick-me-up: easy fruit hand pies.
Photo: Robyn Andrea Burgess
Dried Apricot, Fig, and Cherry Hand Pies
Makes about 32 pies
Here’s a happy little treat to enjoy. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, which come in handy on those cold winter days when you don’t want to run to the store. This dish is really yummy any time of day, and the recipe makes enough for a crowd. I especially like the half-moon shape and the moderate size—they’re packed with flavor, but only 3 to 4 bites. A great snack!
1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups Riesling or other sweet white wine
1 cup water
1 cup dried black Mission figs, stemmed and chopped
1 cup dried apricots, halved and chopped
½ cup dried tart cherries
½ cup golden raisins
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 egg
1 Tablespoon milk
½ cup sliced almonds (optional)
If making homemade crust, prepare, wrap in plastic, and chill until ready to use.
In a large pot, bring Riesling, water, dried fruit, sugar, ginger, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
Roll out pie crust on a lightly floured surface to ⅛” thick. Cut dough into 4-inch rounds using a cookie cutter or glass. Arrange rounds on a parchment or silicone mat-lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1.5 tablespoons fruit mixture onto each round. Gently fold dough in half and press edges to seal.
Preheat oven to 350°. Whisk together egg and milk in a small bowl. Brush egg wash over each hand pie. Cut two or three small slices into the top of each pie to vent. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden.
More pie recipes to love:
Pecan pie made with all-natural sweeteners
A savory cornbread and chili pie
What’s your favorite kind of pie? Tell us below!