Happy New Year everyone! I hope you are having an awesome start to 2019. I haven’t made any specific resolutions but spending time wisely, being more organised and self-care is on the top of my list. I realized that though 2018 was a really successful year for my business, it took a toll on my health and I’ve spent more time working than being able to enjoy the fruits of my labour. I feel that every year, every experience is a learning and January is a good time to reflect and an incentive to pave the road ahead. Did you guys make any resolutions this year?
January is also one of those times when the difference in the nature of recipes especially the usage of fresh produce is a stark contrast between the northern and southern hemispheres. We have an abundance of summer produce whilst the other side is cooking up cosy soups and indulgent puddings.
Pies are however common around the world. The filling differs from place to place depending on the availability of fruits but who can say no to sweet, mushy fruits encased in crunchy pastry?
These mini pies are so easy to make that even my 9 year old-s enjoy helping in the process. And then cutting out designs with cookie cutters is always the highlight of a combined baking adventure.
Strawberry Mini Pies
Makes 12
2 sheets, ready rolled frozen short crust pastry
2 cups chopped strawberries
1/3 cup castor sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
finely chopped candied ginger, optional
1 egg, lightly beaten
raw sugar, to sprinkle.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Make the filling. Mix together strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and ginger (if using) in a mixing bowl. Leave aside. Thaw the short crust pastry for 10 mins, then using a round cookie cutter cut out circles of your desired size. You will need two for each mini pie, one for the top and one for the base. For the tops, using a heart shaped cutter cut a small portion from the centre. Place the base circle on a disposable aluminium pie liner.
Fill the base circle with 1 tbsp of strawberry filling. Close with the other pastry circle with the heart design. Brush with a little egg and sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake for 15 minutes or until tops are golden and cooked through. Enjoy!