Cranberry Holiday Hand Pies! | Cookie Monster Snack Chat with Joel Gamoran

Holiday Potluck: Mini Sticky Cranberry Hand Pies

The holiday season is a special time when we celebrate with friends and family and enjoy yummy food. Let’s learn how to make a fun and tasty treat: mini sticky cranberry hand pies! Chef Joel and Cookie Monster will help us make these delicious pies step by step.

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

Before we start cooking, let’s get into the holiday mood! You can wear a fun holiday sweater or dress up like a snowflake. Feeling festive makes cooking even more fun!

Ingredients for the Pie Crust

First, we need to make the pie crust. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Whole wheat flour
• Salt
• Vegetable oil
• Fat-free milk (12 tablespoons)

Making the Pie Crust

1. Combine Ingredients: Mix the whole wheat flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add vegetable oil and cold fat-free milk. The cold milk helps make the crust flaky.
2. Mix and Form Dough: Use your hands to mix everything until it forms a ball. This makes sure the dough sticks together.

Preparing the Cranberry Filling

Now that the crust is ready, let’s make the filling with fresh cranberries, grated apple, and orange zest for a sweet and tangy flavor.

1. Cook the Cranberries: Put the cranberries in a pan and cook them until they become sticky and sweet. This makes the filling taste yummy.
2. Add Sweetness: Grate an apple and mix it with the cranberries. The apple adds more sweetness and a little crunch.
3. Zest the Orange: Take the outer skin off an orange to get the zest. This adds a fresh citrus taste to the filling.

Rolling Out the Dough

With the filling ready, it’s time to roll out the dough.

1. Flour the Surface: Sprinkle flour on your countertop to stop the dough from sticking.
2. Roll the Dough: Roll the dough from the center outwards to make it even.
3. Cut Out Circles: Use a cup or cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough. These will be the base of your pies.

Assembling the Hand Pies

Now, let’s put the pies together!

1. Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the dough circles with egg wash. This helps seal the pies and makes them golden when baked.
2. Add Filling: Put a spoonful of cranberry filling in the center of each circle.
3. Crimp the Edges: Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal them. This also makes them look pretty.
4. Final Touches: Brush the tops with more egg wash and sprinkle with Turbinado sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.

Baking the Hand Pies

Preheat your oven and place the pies on a baking sheet. Bake them until they are golden brown and smell amazing. The smell of baking pies will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!

Enjoying the Festivities

Once the pies are out of the oven, let them cool a bit before eating. These mini sticky cranberry hand pies are perfect for sharing at your holiday party. They are tasty and easy to hold, making them a great treat for any festive gathering.

Conclusion

The holiday season is all about joy, being together, and enjoying delicious food. By making these mini sticky cranberry hand pies, you can add a homemade touch to your celebrations. So gather your friends and family, start cooking, and enjoy the holiday spirit together! Happy holidays!