Apple Hand Pies

In my mind, the month of September is a lot like Christmas Eve. From the arrival of the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks to the first day of boot season (basically when the temperature hits 70 for me), the anticipation seems to build towards my favorite month of the year, October. While I’m an October girl at heart, September cannot be overlooked. It brings with it some great novelties too, such as the start of college football and the perfect fall treat that is apple pie.

While pumpkin pie is truly my favorite (did I mention I’m in love with October?), a good apple pie can turn a cloudy gray day into a cozy Fall haven. For that reason, I had to try this recipe for Apple Hand Pies that I found in a Betty Crocker recipe book. I also have a goal to make my husband like apple pie, and since this recipe included toffee bits I had a feeling it might just do the trick.

So here's what you'll need:

• 2 Gala apples, finely chopped (Rome apples also work)
• 2 tablespoons toffee bits (I use Heath bits of brickle)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened (I used Pillsbury pie crusts)
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 12 cubes

Here's how it's done:

Preheat your oven to 375 and spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray (liberally, these babies stick).

Stir apples, toffee bits, sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice together in a medium bowl.

Now unroll your pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface, and using a 3" cookie cutter, cut 8 circles from each of your crusts. 

Place 8 of your 16 circles onto your cookie sheet and brush both sides with the beaten egg. Then place a tablespoon of the apple mixture into the center of each round and top with a cube of butter. 

Place the remaining 8 rounds on top of the apple mixture and press down the edges with a fork to seal. Brush with the remaining egg and put in the oven for 25 minutes. Be sure to eat them while they're warm for the best taste!

This was a great rainy day baking adventure, plus I finally accomplished my goal and made Eric like apple pie :)