Mid-morning at the Manor often turns into a battle of wills between me and Old Nan. In the Kitchen, there’s a whirlwind of activity as we set out on our latest culinary escapade.
This time, it was a jaunt into the forest to gather mushrooms. Old Nan insisted her hounds accompany us. “Oh, Old Nan,” I muttered, “do we really need these hounds in the Kitchen?” Nevertheless, their keen instincts did help us locate the finest fungi in the forest.
As we foraged, Old Nan offered guidance, pointing out the delicate chanterelles and earthy morels. Meanwhile, I couldn’t resist a jab or two, teasing the hounds for their exaggerated enthusiasm.
Our forest adventure was the heart of these Mushroom and Cheese Hand Pies – a mid-morning delight served the halfling way. No frills, no magic, just pure flavor and flair.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Embrace the Heat
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). That’s the sizzling start to our culinary adventure.
Step 2: Crafting the Perfect Crust
As the adventure begins, let’s tackle the crust. Combine flour and salt, then add cold, cubed butter.
Step 3: A Tale of Gathering and Grumbles
Next, the filling. In a sauté pan, cook mushrooms, onions, and garlic until they’re softened and most of the moisture has evaporated.
Step 4: Hand-Pie Magic
With chilled and ready dough, we roll it out and cut it into circles. Then, spoon in the sautéed mushroom and cheese mixture, ensuring each pie is filled to your heart’s content. Fold them over, pressing the edges with a fork to seal in the delightful concoction. A little egg wash and thyme sprigs for garnish, and they’re ready for the oven
Step 5: Oven-Baked Delight
Bake these hand pies until they’re golden brown and oozing with flavor (20 to 25 minutes). And just like that, you’ve got a halfling twist on a mid-morning classic.
So, as you savor the burst of flavors in every bite, remember that a little adventure in the Kitchen can lead to mid-morning munchies with a halfling twist. Old Nan might raise an eyebrow, but variety is the spice of life. May your mid-morning be as flavorful as a bite from one of these hand pies!
