Pies in a Jar

Yesterday friend Jill & I made Pies in a Jar. I think it's one of the more domestic things I've ever done, & it was fun, fun, fun. I think they'll make perfect mini-gifts, or if nothing else, will serve as a great last minute dessert when we're craving something warm & comforting. They go straight from the freezer to the oven. Doesn't get easier than that, right?

(This apple peeler is now on my wish list.)

The recipe suggests using half-pint mason jars, which makes me especially happy since I love small glass jars They're just cute, right? We found ours at a local home store on the Upper East Side for a very reasonable price - about $1 a piece.

Directions

Step 1:
Make the crust, enough to fill four mason jars (or use your own favorite recipe).

1 1/4c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c.+ 1 Tbsp. butter-flavored shortening
Ice water (probably about 1/4 c.)

Step 2:
Divide the dough into fourths, & line the sides & bottom of the un-greased jar. Reserve enough dough for the topper.

Step 3:
Make the filling (you need 1/2 cup per jar). You can use any filling you'd like (think cherries, peaches, raspberries!). A basic recipe -

2 cups prepared fruit (pitted, diced, peeled, etc.)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoons butter (divided between the pies)
Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, citrus zest, almond extract, etc. to taste

When your filling is all combined, divide it between the jars & dot a pat of butter on top of each (about 1/4 tablespoon)

Step 4:
Top it off. Make sure your "lid" has a vent so steam can escape. You can use a knife to make a couple of slits or a tiny cookie cutter to make it decorative. When your topper is ready, slip it onto the top of the pie. It will be large enough that the outside edge goes up the side of the dough-covered jar a bit. Seal the edges with your fingers or a fork.

A crumb topping would also be a yummy addition:

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons oats
1/4 tablespoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold butter

Combine sugar, flour & cinnamon. Cut in butter. Add oats and stir to combine.

Another option - a miniature lattice on top.

Finish off the toppers by brushing pies with soft butter & sprinkling with sugar.

Step 5:
Put them in the freezer! Place the metal lids back on, sealing tightly.

Step 6:
Cook & eat! Preheat oven to 375. Remove the metal lids & place frozen glass jars directly on a baking sheet. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown & the middles are bubbly. If you're baking them fresh & not frozen they take about 45 minutes. Depending on your filling you can pop them right out of the jar & onto a plate, or enjoy them straight out of the jar.

Yum.

More photos here. 

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