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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 6-8 tablespoons cold water - 1 cup apple pie filling (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Oil for frying - Powdered sugar for dusting Measuring is key for great hand pies. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Spoon the flour into the cup, then level it off with a knife. This step prevents packing, which can make your crust tough. For butter, use a kitchen scale if you have one. If not, look for the markings on the butter wrapper. Cold water should be just that—cold—so keep it in the fridge. - Flour: Use all-purpose flour like Gold Medal or King Arthur for a balanced texture. - Butter: Choose unsalted butter, such as Land O’Lakes, for better control over salt levels. - Sugar: Granulated sugar from C&H or Domino works best for sweetness. - Apple Pie Filling: If you opt for store-bought, I recommend Lucky Leaf or Mott’s for a tasty filling. - Oil for Frying: Use vegetable oil or canola oil. They have high smoke points and fry well. - Spices: McCormick offers reliable cinnamon and nutmeg that will enhance your flavors. These choices help you achieve the best taste and texture in your fried hand pies. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Next, add 1/2 cup of chilled, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step brings out the buttery flavor. Now, add 6 to 8 tablespoons of cold water. Add one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough comes together, but don’t over-mix. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough stay firm when you roll it out. Once your dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are about 4 inches wide. Next, make your filling. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of apple pie filling with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. This gives the filling a warm, spicy flavor. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of half the dough circles. To seal the pies, wet the edges of the circles with a little water. Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal them well. For a nice finish, use a fork to crimp the edges. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. You need enough oil to submerge the hand pies. Once hot, carefully add the hand pies in batches. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. When done, remove the pies and let them drain on paper towels. This helps keep them crispy. Let them cool for a few minutes. Finally, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Enjoy this crispy delight! To get a crispy crust, start with cold butter. Use a pastry cutter to blend it into the flour. This creates small bits of butter that will melt and form pockets. Add the cold water slowly. Too much water makes the dough tough. Roll the dough out thin, around 1/8 inch. Thinner dough means a crunchier crust. Fry the hand pies in hot oil, about 350°F. This helps them cook fast and keeps them crispy. One big mistake is over-mixing the dough. Mix just until it comes together. Another mistake is not sealing the edges well. Wet the edges with water before folding. Press them tightly to avoid leaks while frying. Frying at low heat makes the dough soggy. Always check that your oil is hot enough before adding the pies. You will need a few key tools for perfect hand pies. A pastry cutter helps mix the butter into the flour. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough. A round cutter or glass makes it easy to cut circles. A deep frying pan is best for frying. Finally, have paper towels ready to drain excess oil. Pro Tips Chill Your Dough: Make sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes; this helps to keep the butter cold, resulting in a flakier crust. Seal it Well: Ensure that the edges of the hand pies are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. Fry in Batches: Fry the hand pies in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make them greasy. Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different fillings like cherry, peach, or even savory options like cheese and spinach for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can fill your fried hand pies with many tasty options. For sweet pies, use fruit fillings like apple, cherry, or peach. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. For a savory twist, try fillings like cheese, seasoned meat, or veggies. Think of flavors like cheesy spinach or spicy chicken. The choices are endless, so explore what you love! If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that works well for baking. You can also try almond flour or oat flour for a nutty flavor. For a vegan crust, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use cold water as usual. These substitutions create a crust that is just as flaky and delicious. You won’t miss the traditional version at all! Add special touches to your hand pies for a unique taste. Mix herbs like rosemary or thyme into your dough for a savory kick. You can also sprinkle cheese into the crust for a rich flavor. For sweet pies, drizzle honey or maple syrup inside before sealing. Adding a pinch of salt to the filling can balance sweetness nicely. Experiment with these ideas to make your fried hand pies stand out! After making these tasty fried hand pies, you want to keep them fresh. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the pies crispy and delicious. If you plan to eat them in a day or two, storing them at room temperature works well. For longer storage, you should refrigerate them. This keeps them safe and tasty for up to a week. When it's time to enjoy your hand pies again, reheating is key. For the best taste, use an oven instead of a microwave. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and crispy again. If you want to use a microwave, heat them for 20-30 seconds. However, be aware that they might lose some crispiness. Freezing is a great option for long-term storage of hand pies. Before freezing, let the pies cool completely. Then, wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pies in a freezer bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to three months! When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat them in the oven for the best texture. The best oil for frying hand pies is one with a high smoke point. I recommend using vegetable oil or canola oil. These oils heat well and do not change the flavor of the pies. You want the oil to be hot enough for a crispy crust but not too hot to burn them. Yes, you can bake hand pies if you prefer a lighter option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with an egg wash for a nice golden color. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. They will not be as crispy but will still be delicious. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready. You can also use a thermometer to check for about 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the pies cook evenly without burning. Fried hand pies are a fun treat. We covered ingredients, steps, and tips to make them. You can tweak fillings and crusts for your taste. Remember to store and reheat them properly for best flavor. Experiment with oils and cooking methods too. Making these pies is simple and rewarding. Enjoy crafting your crispy snacks and share them with friends!

Fried Hand Pies Crispy Delight for Every Occasion

If you crave a crispy treat for any gathering, fried hand pies are the answer! These delightful snacks are easy to make and can…

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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Delightfully Simple Dish

If you crave comfort food, you’ll love my Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes! This dish is rich, buttery, and overflows with garlic goodness. With just…

- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes - 4 cloves garlic - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. Yukon Gold potatoes work best. They have a buttery flavor and smooth texture. The garlic adds a nice kick. Four cloves give a strong garlic taste, but you can adjust it to your liking. Unsalted butter provides a rich base. Heavy cream makes the potatoes creamy and dreamy. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese brings depth to the flavor. Lastly, chives add color and a mild onion flavor. This simple list makes a dish that everyone will love. Each bite is a delight! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to cube the potatoes. First, peel the Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into even pieces, about one inch each. This size helps them cook evenly. Next, place the cubed potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until it covers the potatoes by an inch. Now, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes. They should be tender enough to pierce with a fork. After that, drain the potatoes and garlic using a colander. Return them back to the pot, ready for the next step. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the heavy cream. Warm the cream gently without boiling it. Stir the mixture well, as this step is key for smooth mashed potatoes. The temperature of the butter and cream matters. Warming them helps them mix better with the potatoes. Cold cream can lead to lumps, so keep it warm. Now, it’s time to mash! Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes and garlic together. Aim for a smooth and creamy texture. Gradually pour the warm butter and cream mixture into the mashed potatoes. Stir well until everything is blended. To finish, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well combined. Transfer the creamy garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh chives for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish! To get the best texture, consider using a potato ricer. This tool makes the potatoes super smooth. If you prefer a more rustic style, a potato masher works great too. Just ensure you mash them well. To avoid lumps, make sure to cook the potatoes until they are very tender. This step is key for a creamy result. Adding extra spices or herbs can elevate your mashed potatoes. Try mixing in garlic powder or fresh thyme for more flavor. You can also adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream or butter. Taste as you go, so you get the perfect mix for your palate. Serve your mashed potatoes in a stylish bowl for an eye-catching look. You can create a small well in the center and drizzle some melted butter. For garnishing, sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. Another fun idea is to add crispy bacon bits for a crunchy twist. Pro Tips Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for creamy mashed potatoes due to their buttery flavor and smooth texture. Don't Over-Mash: Be careful not to over-mash the potatoes, as this can make them gluey. Stop when they are smooth and creamy. Warm the Dairy: Always warm the butter and cream mixture before adding it to the potatoes to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. Season Gradually: Taste and adjust the seasoning gradually. Start with a little salt and pepper, and add more as needed for flavor. {{image_2}} You can make creamy garlic mashed potatoes even better by adding extra flavors. One great option is roasted garlic. Roasting garlic softens its taste and adds a warm, sweet flavor. To do this, wrap a whole head of garlic in foil and roast it in the oven for 30-35 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Squeeze the soft garlic into your mashed potatoes for a rich taste. Another option is to mix in cream cheese or sour cream. These ingredients give the potatoes a nice tang and extra creaminess. Start with about 1/2 cup of either, and mix it in with the butter and cream. This small change makes a big difference in taste. While Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to, you can try different types for unique flavors. Red potatoes have a waxy texture that keeps them creamy. They can add a bit of color to your dish too. Just peel them, cube, and cook them the same way. If you want to try something different, sweet potatoes are a fun choice. They bring a natural sweetness to the dish. Peel and cube them, then cook them just like regular potatoes. The result is a vibrant, flavorful mash that pairs well with many dishes. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are great with many meals. They pair well with meats like roasted chicken, steak, or pork. The creamy texture balances the savory flavors of the meat. For a festive meal, serve these mashed potatoes alongside roasted vegetables or a holiday turkey. They are also a hit at family gatherings and special occasions. Serving them up with a sprinkle of fresh chives adds a nice pop of color and flavor. To store leftover mashed potatoes, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This step helps you track freshness. You can freeze creamy garlic mashed potatoes for longer storage. Here’s how to do it: 1. Cool Completely: First, let the mashed potatoes cool down to room temperature. This step prevents ice crystals from forming. 2. Portion: Divide the mashed potatoes into smaller portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. 3. Seal: Remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing. This keeps them fresh. 4. Label: Write the date on each bag or container. To reheat, place the frozen potatoes in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat them directly from the freezer. Use a microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Stir well while heating to ensure even warmth. Enjoy your creamy garlic mashed potatoes whenever you want! To make mashed potatoes creamier, use more heavy cream. You can also add more butter. Yukon Gold potatoes are great for creaminess. They have a natural buttery flavor. Mashing with a ricer gives a smooth texture, too. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Cream cheese adds a rich taste. Cheddar cheese gives a sharp flavor. Goat cheese brings a tangy twist. Just remember to adjust the salt to balance the flavors. You can prepare these mashed potatoes ahead of time. Make them and store in the fridge. Before serving, reheat them gently. Add a splash of cream to restore creaminess as they heat. To adjust the garlic flavor, add more or less garlic. Roasting garlic before mashing makes it sweeter. If you want a milder flavor, use less garlic. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes pair well with many sides. Try them with roasted vegetables for color. Grilled meats like chicken or steak complement the dish nicely. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch, too. In this post, we explored how to make creamy garlic mashed potatoes. I shared ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect texture and flavor. We also discussed variations and storage options to help keep your dish tasty. Remember, the key to great mashed potatoes lies in mixing well and adding the right seasonings. With these insights, you can impress your family or guests with your cooking. Enjoy your creamy garlic mashed potatoes—it’s worth every bite!