QUICK EASY PIES RECIPES

Steps:

• To make the pastry, rub the butter into the flour, then mix in the golden caster sugar and a pinch of salt.
• Combine the pastry into a ball – don’t add liquid – and knead it briefly. The dough will be fairly firm, like shortbread dough. You can use the dough immediately, or chill for later.
• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line 18 holes of two 12-hole patty tins, by pressing small walnut-sized balls of pastry into each hole.
• Spoon the mincemeat into the pies. Take slightly smaller balls of pastry than before and pat them out between your hands to make round lids, big enough to cover the pies.
• Top the pies with their lids, pressing the edges gently together to seal – you don’t need to seal them with milk or egg as they will stick on their own. Will keep frozen for up to one month.
• Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg. Bake for 20 mins until golden. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 mins, then remove to a wire rack. To serve, lightly dust with the icing sugar. Will keep for three to four days in an airtight container.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Have rack 1 rung up from center in oven.
• Gather your ingredients.
• Lightly flour work surface and roll out dough a bit; cut into 4 to 6 portions (I cut rectangles to keep it easy and based on how many people I'm feeding). Cut a small hole in center of each piece of dough with a 1-inch round or heart shaped cookie cutter, or freehand cut some slits or designs with tip of sharp small knife. Using a fork, beat an egg in a small dish with a splash of water. Line a baking sheet with a sheet of parchment and arrange dough pieces. Brush dough with egg wash and bake until puffed and golden, 20 to 22 minutes.
• Peel and chop the onion and potato. Halve the celery and carrot lengthwise and chop. Halve the leek, trim top tough greens and roots and run under cold water while fanning the leek to release grit. Shake the leek of excess water and thinly slice. Peel and slice planks off the apple around the core, then stack and dice 1/4 inch.
• Heat a Dutch oven or large deep skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Melt butter and when it foams add the onion, potato, celery, leek, apple, bay and herb bundle and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook to soften, 8 to 10 minutes, partially covered and stirring occasionally. Add flour and stir a minute. Add stock and whisk in to thicken a bit.
• Separate the chicken from the bones and skin and pull meat. Add to sauce to reheat. Remove bay and herbs. Remove chicken from heat and stir in Dijon mustard, cream and lemon juice.
• Serve the chicken and vegetables in bowls and top with pastry.