Pie Hands

Looking through one of my favorite recipe sites, Smitten Kitchen, I found a recipe for something I learned is technically trademarked; Pop-Tarts. While the recipe I used is not copyrighted, the name is and so I chose to go with the alternative of Pie Hands. It really makes sense once you think of it. It's a tart that you can pop in a toaster. Seeing as that makes it just a hand-held pie, I decided to go with the shifty name of Pie Hands. I've made these three times and each time they've been both delicious and better than the pre-made option. How could they not be? They're ridiculously easy. It's like taking all of the challenge out of making pies.

And right in front of a bag of peanuts. As you can see from the list of ingredients, this really is a simple recipe. All you have to do is take your favorite pie dough recipe, cut it into the right proportions, and add some filling along with an eggwash so the layers adhere to each other. It is a bit tedious since it takes a while to make only a few, but it's still extremely simple.

What the hell is a "Hand of Buddha" and why did I pay $4 for it?!

This is what my pie dough looks like before I get all handsy with it. As you can see, I don't use shortening. Substituting with butter, aka the traditional way, results in a flakier and tastier dough. Trust me on this. I know I'm right.

Here is what it looks like after I've had my way with it. At this point, the dough should look like it has little peas of butter and flour mixed together. It won't be perfect, so don't worry about that like I did the first time. Just get your hands in there and do your thing. There isn't a picture of this after I added the egg and milk seeing as my hands were thoroughly covered in dough and I do somewhat value my shitty point and shoot.

After rolling out the dough, you want to cut out a square that is 9x12. You then cut it into 3x4 rectangles that are the tart-no, pie of the Pie Hands.

Rulers are fun again!

So there is something else I do with these that makes them better than what you can get in the store; I use Nutella. If you have to ask why, then you've never had it and should remedy the situation immediately.

MmmmMMMMMmmm. The downside of this recipe is that it only makes about 9 Pie Hands and it's debatable whether or not it's worth it considering the time involved in making them, most of which is spent measuring out the rectangles. Still, they are really good. For this batch I also made a simple syrup and sugar glaze per the request of those who frequent my home. I do not like glazes, so harrumph.

NIBBLE!