What To Know
- The Pampered Chef Hand Pie and Pocket Maker is a game-changer, allowing you to create perfectly golden-brown, crispy hand pies and pockets with ease.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon or square shape, pressing firmly along the edges to seal.
Are you ready to take your baking game to the next level? The Pampered Chef Hand Pie and Pocket Maker is a game-changer, allowing you to create perfectly golden-brown, crispy hand pies and pockets with ease. This versatile tool opens up a world of culinary possibilities, from classic fruit pies to savory meat pockets. But how do you use this incredible kitchen gadget to its full potential?
Getting Started: Unboxing and Assembly
First things first, let’s unpack your new Pampered Chef Hand Pie and Pocket Maker. You’ll find two non-stick plates, a base unit, and a recipe booklet. The assembly is simple:
1. Connect the plates: Place the plates onto the base unit, ensuring they are properly aligned and secure.
2. Plug it in: Connect the power cord to the base unit and plug it into an electrical outlet.
3. Preheat: Allow the machine to preheat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the indicator light turns off.
Mastering the Dough: The Foundation of Great Hand Pies
The key to delicious hand pies lies in the dough. While you can use store-bought pie crust, making your own is incredibly rewarding and allows for greater control over flavor and texture. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions:
1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add water gradually: Slowly drizzle in the ice water, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Form a disc: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Filling Up Your Creations: The Flavorful Heart of Your Hand Pies
Now for the fun part: choosing your fillings! The Pampered Chef Hand Pie and Pocket Maker can handle a wide range of fillings, both sweet and savory.
Sweet Fillings:
- Classic Apple Pie: A timeless favorite, featuring diced apples, cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of nutmeg.
- Berry Bliss: A mix of fresh or frozen berries, sugar, and a hint of lemon zest.
- Creamy Custard: A rich and decadent custard filling, perfect for a sophisticated dessert.
Savory Fillings:
- Cheesy Chicken: Shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices.
- Spicy Sausage and Peppers: Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and a touch of red pepper flakes.
- Veggie Delight: A medley of roasted vegetables, like zucchini, squash, and bell peppers, seasoned with herbs.
Assembling Your Hand Pies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once your dough is chilled and your fillings are ready, it’s time to assemble your hand pies.
1. Roll out the dough: Divide your dough in half and roll each half out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
2. Cut shapes: Use the included cutter to create circles or squares, depending on your desired shape.
3. Fill the pockets: Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle or square.
4. Seal the edges: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon or square shape, pressing firmly along the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
5. Bake: Place the assembled hand pies onto the preheated plates of the Pampered Chef Hand Pie and Pocket Maker. Close the lid and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Baking Time: Bringing Your Hand Pies to Life
Baking time will vary depending on the filling and thickness of the dough. Generally, hand pies will take 5-7 minutes to bake. Keep an eye on them and check for golden-brown color and a firm texture.
Tips for Perfect Hand Pies
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling will make your hand pies difficult to seal and may cause them to burst open during baking.
- Use a light hand: When rolling out the dough, avoid pressing too hard, as this can make the dough tough.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in dry and crumbly hand pies.
- Cool completely: Allow the hand pies to cool completely before serving. This will help them set and prevent them from falling apart.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Creative Variations
The Pampered Chef Hand Pie and Pocket Maker is a versatile tool that allows you to experiment with different flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Miniature hand pies: Use smaller cutters to create bite-sized hand pies, perfect for parties and snacks.
- Sweet and savory combinations: Combine sweet and savory flavors, such as a ham and apple hand pie or a blueberry and brie pocket.
- Glazes and toppings: Get creative with glazes and toppings. Drizzle your hand pies with melted chocolate, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream.
The Sweet Finish: Your Hand Pie Journey
With your Pampered Chef Hand Pie and Pocket Maker, you’re equipped to create delicious and impressive hand pies for any occasion. From classic flavors to innovative combinations, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the journey of crafting your own homemade hand pie masterpieces.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I use frozen pie crust in the Pampered Chef Hand Pie and Pocket Maker?
A: Absolutely! Frozen pie crust works perfectly in the Hand Pie and Pocket Maker. Just make sure to thaw it slightly before assembling your hand pies.
Q: How do I know when my hand pies are done baking?
A: The hand pies should be golden brown and firm to the touch. You can also check their doneness by gently pressing on the center. If it springs back, they are done.
Q: Can I freeze my hand pies?
A: Yes! You can freeze your hand pies before or after baking. To freeze unbaked hand pies, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To freeze baked hand pies, let them cool completely and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Q: What are some other uses for the Pampered Chef Hand Pie and Pocket Maker?
A: The Hand Pie and Pocket Maker can be used to create a variety of other treats, including:
- Mini calzones: Filled with cheese, pepperoni, and other Italian favorites.
- Empanadas: Filled with a variety of savory fillings, like beef, chicken, or vegetables.
- Pastries: Filled with cream cheese, fruit, or other sweet fillings.
