Simple Lemon and Berry Hand Pies

I didn't think I was going to have time to do anything heart shaped this Valentines Day as my days have been so busy, but I did have a chance today to do these little Lemon & Berry Hand Pies for my Todd.  He does love a jam tart and he really enjoyed these!

 

You can buy your pastry ready rolled, or you can make your own like I did.  My recipe is here and it's a good one.  You will want to double it.   You simply roll the pastry out and then cut out 3 inch wide hearts.  You will need sixteen of them.



They are filled with a dab of lemon curd and a dab of strawberry jam.  Use good ones, or if you have homemade, even better  . . .  use them!  Don't be tempted to overfill these . . .  a scant teaspoon of each will do  . . .  otherwise you will have blow outs . . .



You are bound to have a certain amount of those anyways, no matter how well you think you have sealed them shut.  Not over-filling them however does minimize this hazard.  A simple vanilla icing decorates the tops and of course if it is a special occasion you can use sprinkles on top.  Simple.  Delicious.  Easy to make.  Your family will love them.

 

* Simple Lemon and Berry Hand Pies*

Makes 8

Printable Recipe  

Delicious little pies filled with strawberry jam and lemon curd and iced with a simple vanilla frosting. Simple to make. 

Short crust pastry enough for a double crust pie

8 tsp good quality lemon curd

8 tsp good quality strawberry jam

For the frosting:

130g of icing sugar, sifted (1 cup)

1 tsp softened butter

milk

few drops vanilla extract

sprinkles to decorate (optional)

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 5.  Line a large baking tray with baking parchment.

Roll out your pastry 1/4 inch thick.   Stamp out 16 3-inch wide hearts with a sharp cutter.  Place 8 of them on the baking tray  Brush the edges with some water.  Top each with 1 tsp of the lemon curd and then 1 tsp of the strawberry jam.  Top with the remaining pastry hearts.  Crimp the edges closed and seal with a fork.

Bake in the pre-heated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Scoop off onto a wire rack to cool completely before proceeding.

Whisk together the icing sugar, butter, vanilla and enough milk to give you a creamy icing perfect for spreading.  Spread this on top of the hand pies and sprinkle with sprinkles if using before the icing sets.



Happy Valentines Day!  Bon Appetit!