Star shaped apple hand pies

Every year for H birthday, he requests apple pie. I love making it for him, but each year now we also throw a huge 4th of July party at the same time (his bday is July 5th). So making a ton of pies in this heat was getting to be a huge chore, but I did it anyway cuz I love him so. But this year, I found a way to make his homemade apple pie, but with a lot less baking time and will be able to make a ton for all of our guests!!! I recently was in my local William-Sonoma, my home away from home LOL, and found this pie mold. They have it in star shape or heart shape. I picked up the star shape to go along with our 4th of July themed birthday party! I did test them this week to make sure they come out ok and are easy to make a ton of and are delicious. This recipe makes about 8-10 hand pies, so I will double the recipe for our group!! Our 4th party will be fabulous now!

ENJOY!

Ingredients:

Pie crust:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt, plus a pinch

2 Tbs. plus 1/2 cup granulated sugar

16 Tbs. (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice

6 to 8 Tbs. ice water

Directions:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat together the flour, the 1 tsp. salt and the 2 Tbs. granulated sugar on low speed for 10 seconds. Add the butter and beat until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to medium-low and beat for 1 1/2 minutes more. Add the 6 Tbs. ice water, reduce the speed to low and beat for 20 seconds. The dough should hold together when squeezed with your fingers but should not be sticky. If it is crumbly, add more water, 1 tsp. at a time, and beat for 5 seconds after each addition. Divide the dough in half, wrap with plastic wrap and shape each into a disk. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Apple filling (or choose your own filling..the possibilities are endless..would be good as a savory meat pie too for an app!)

2-4 Macintosh or similar apples peeled and diced

2 tbsp butter

1/3 cups sugar

1/2 tbsp cinnamon

Directions:

Toss all ingredients together in a sauce pan. Cook until bubbly and the apples begin to soften. Take off heat and let cool.

To assemble:

Roll out dough. Cut 4 star shapes and 4 star shapes with tiny star cut out. Put solid star on bottom of pie mold. Fill with1-2 tbsp of filling. Place decorative star piece on top and fold over pie mold and squeeze tight. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet. Once done with all, bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 mins. I also used a milk wash to top the pies withfor a golden crust. Once baked, let cool completely. Top with decorative sugars and serve!