Doing something sweet for your Valentine doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. In fact, a thoughtful, handmade item can be the most memorable gift. When you prepare food for someone, it touches the heart in a special way because it shows that you put considerable time and effort into creating an edible demonstration of your affection.
If you have the time and ingredients, a plate of heart-shaped hand pies made from scratch will communicate your feelings in a sweet way. You can use frozen pie dough for a quick and easy substitute. Stop by The Local Grocer for everything you need to make your pies.
Heart-Shaped Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar + a tsp for sprinkling
- 2 sticks chilled, unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 egg white
- Cherry, raspberry or strawberry jam
To Make Pie Crust
Mix 2½ cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon each salt and sugar in a medium-size bowl. Cut 2 sticks chilled, unsalted butter into pieces. With a fork, cut butter into dry ingredients, working until mixture is course and not quite sticking together. Add 4 tablespoons of ice water (put ice in a small bowl of water so it is really cold). Work the dough until it sticks together (adding up to 4 tablespoons of water, if needed). Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
To Assemble
Take out dough and roll on a floured surface. With a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out pairs of dough hearts. Place a dollop of jam in the middle of one heart shape, then, place the second piece of dough on top of the other. Use a fork to create a decorative edge that will seal the two pieces together. Brush tops with egg white and sprinkle with sugar. Bake in a 375° oven for 15 minutes. Serve with love to Valentines young and old!
Photo by Kayce McClure
