Little pies are just more fun to eat than big pies. And did I mention that you get to forgo cutting and crumbs and messy fillings spilling on tables? Set them out on a pretty platter and let your guests enjoy. When I lived in Austin, I met a few women who had opened “pie shops” but instead of selling the traditional 9 inch pie, they made and sold something similar to this: a portable and lovely hand-held treat.
I brought these over to a Memorial Day Cookout. Between my sister, my mom, and me, we prepared enough food to feed a small army (and perhaps that is what we were!) Pasta salads, couscous, grilled salmon and chicken, fresh fruit, and even a few hot dogs for the kids. We ended the day by releasing three baby bunnies that had fallen into a window well, and then after a good hand wash, we enjoyed these apple raspberry hand pies.
So yes, I’m still baking at 37 weeks. What else is new?
Cravings: Quesadillas. I think I’ve had a quesadilla everyday this week. Poor Ryan. I’m also still loving animal crackers and milk.
Health: We go see our OB today. We see her every week now! I’m hoping that I’ve dilated or the baby has dropped or something worth mentioning has happened. But these babies come on their own time, so I’m learning patience and trust. I bought a birth ball yesterday, and I’ve been bouncing on it and swaying my hips. The birth ball is WONDERFUL. I’m also feeling more hormonal than ever. At least that is what I’m blaming my mood swings on.
Fears: I haven’t been sleeping as well. I wake up anxious about the littlest and silliest things. It took everything in me not to get up at 2:30am and start working on projects around the house. Thankfully, Ryan held me and prayed over me, and I fell back to sleep. He’s been a champ.
Lucy: She likes to move her body now as there’s less room for her to move her legs. Ryan and I went to a movie the other night, and after a particularly exciting scene, my belly shifted completely to the right. (And yes, we became that annoying couple that starts laughing and whispering during a film). But honestly, Lucy had Matthew McConaughey beat. She loves hearing us talk to her, and we’re almost always successful at waking her up from a nap. A few gentle nudges and Ryan’s voice gets her moving on command. I can’t explain how excited I am to meet this baby. I visualize the moment again and again. I know it will be challenging and painful and stretching, but giving birth to her will be one of the most beautiful events of my life. I’m already claiming it.
I hope you get a chance to make these apple raspberry hand pies. My mom doesn’t like many sweets, but she couldn’t stop eating them. The raspberries add the perfect amount of color and tartness, and they make these pies feel like summer. And did I mention the crumb topping? There’s nothing like a little extra butter and sugar.
Apple Raspberry Hand Pies
2 large granny smith apples, peeled and diced
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
1 tablespoon flour
1 disc of pie dough (enough for a single crust)
1/4 cup butter, cold and diced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
Combine apples, raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and flour in a medium bowl. Stir well but be careful to not break the berries too much. Set aside while you prepare the pie cups.
Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a large biscuit cutter to cut out 10 circles. Make the pie cups by pressing the circles of dough down into the muffin cups, firmly pressing with your fingers to line the cup evenly. At this point, I like to stick my pie cups in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This helps prevent the dough from shrinking too much when placed in oven. While dough is chilling, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a small bowl, cut cold and diced butter into flour and sugar to make crumb topping. You can use a fork, a pastry cutter, or your fingers to incorporate butter into flour/sugar. After a minute or two of cutting, coarse crumbs should form. Spoon apple raspberry mixture into prepared pie cups. I used about 1/3 cup of filling for each muffin cup. Sprinkle generously with crumb topping (keep in mind that as the pies cook, the filling will shrink…so err on the side of overfull rather than under).
Bake for 25 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden and the filling bubbles. Allow to cool before removing pie cups from muffin tin. Use a knife to carefully lift pie cups from pan (this might be the trickiest part…but I didn’t lose a single hand pie!)
Monet
Anecdotes and Apple Cores
You look great– and I can’t wait to try these hand pies 🙂
You look fantastic…as they say, glowing! Wishing you guys all the best. Plus, those hand pies are perfect for a summer picnic…going on my list!
You look beautiful, Monet and these pies are just lovely. It’s hard to believe that you’ll be holding Lucy in just a few more weeks!
Little pies are definitely more fun than a regular pie! I love the color too – so pretty : ) Such an exciting time for you – I love seeing the pictures!
Monet, I am so excited for you! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and beautiful photos of the week. You’re looking more radiant and ready with every photo! These hand pies are the perfect summer treat, and I love the combination of apples and raspberries… a little bit of fall, a little bit of summer. Lovely!
Monet,
Your hand pies are gorgeous and mouthwatering. Here’s hoping that that something happens signaling your body is getting ready for labor:) I’m so excited for you and Ryan.
These are so cute! I just bought two baby springform pans at Crate and Barrel, and the idea is that we’ll just make tiny desserts from now on, instead of full-sized ones that we eat in less than 24 hours. I might have to break them in on this.
Oh I can imagine you’re getting a little anxious. I’m starting to feel that way and am almost 3 mos behind you! I had a quick question for you. When during your pregnancy did you begin to suspect you were becoming lactose intolerant. I’m 26 weeks and am worried that it’s happening to me. 🙁 Also are still you able to eat your baked goods that have butter in them as well as cakes, etc? You look beyond amazing btw! Lucky girl!!
I don’t think I’ve ever had raspberries in a pie before. These sound absolutely wonderful.
I’m so excited for Lucy to make her entrance. I’m having some serious baby fever right now, but I’ve been told I have to wait, so I’ll have to live through you. 🙂
You are so close to having your baby!!!!!! I remember not sleeping well towards the end of my pregnancies too. Some say it is preparation for when baby arrives. You look stunning and I am so excited to see your little one.!
Great pies! And I love raspberries, so this recipe is just the ticket for me. Thanks so much.
These little pies sound so good! Fresh summer raspberries–yes please. I always picture hand pies as the fold-over empanada type, but I think actual individual pies are an even better idea! Also: QUESADILLAS.
I love the idea of little hand pies, and these ones sure look great, no wonder your mom cannot stop eating them 🙂
You look great my dear…hope you are enjoying your week!
You look great! Thanks for sharing the hand pies!
Your raspberry pies look so delicious! And I am counting down to the days when I see your baby!
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I’m so excited for you, Ryan and Lucy to be face-to-face soon. Wishing you all the best for an uncomplicated delivery of your sweet girl.
Best,
Bonnie
yes! claim it!! You’ve got this Monet, your body was made to do this, and it knows what to do…trust the process!! Can’t wait to see that beautiful baby girl in your arms…soon!!!! (and beautiful pies by the way, the whole menu sounds fantastic!)
Tiny pies are always better. 🙂 It won’t be much longer to wait now!
What a perfect idea! I love individual serving items, especially pies!! I come from a family who loves pie, all sorts of pie, any time of year, any flavor… 🙂
You look great, you and Ryan make a great team! Quesadillas are amazing!
Your hand-pies looks amazing! I love eating pies, tarts and quiches! And these looks really good, love the sweet vibrant colour of the raspberries!
You look great, Monet! Both you and Ryan will make wonderful parents!
Take care and hope you have a good rested sleep!
LOVE hand pies and you are one gorgeous mama to be!!
these are so cute! and super delicious 🙂
Your pies are wonderful and you look great! Here’s wishing you the best-a smooth delivery for a bouncing baby girl!
I’m dying to try those pies. They’re absolutely gorgeous! I love my desserts stuffed full of fruit.
I’ll be thinking of you over the next little while….
Monet, you are looking radiant, my dear! Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe and your fabulous pictures! Mini hand pies are just the cutest and raspberries are just sooo delicious! They must taste wonderful and they look divine!
Do try to get that well-deserved rest while you still can!
Hugs and kisses!
these pies look delicious! You’re looking wonderful and I’m sooo excited for you and your husband!
Almost there! I was anxious and couldn’t sleep too well in my last few weeks. I hope you rest your body well and try to relax as much as you can now… Your mini hand pies are so cute and delicious. I don’t think I’ve had these mini versions before and these are such a great idea!!!
These last few weeks, each one seems to last a month. No way to get comfortable, can’t reach the kitchen tap, no place to feel comfortable for long, feels like someone leg is breaking your ribs. But then you gaze into that gorgeous little face and nothing ever matters again.
You’re on the biggest journey of your life. Enjoy these wonderful hand pies now because it might be a while before you have a spare hand to eat with much less cook with.
Enjoy every second.
Little pies are definitely more fun to eat than regular pies, especially with a name like “hand pies”! These adorable bite-sized treats look like the perfect dessert to bring to a picnic or cookout.
I’m sorry you haven’t been sleeping well lately 🙁 I can only imagine the anticipation you and Ryan have, and the desire to get everything done beforehand. Hugs and best wishes for a peaceful last few weeks 🙂
Hi,
You look gorgeous at the 37th week! I hope to look that well in some month. I like a lot the B&W photes with your husband… so sweet!
These apple and rasberry pie are really inviting and I will definitely try them.
Ciao.
EEEEE!!!! I get more excited for you EVERY.DAY.
And hand pies are totally the cutest thigns ever!!
Awwww I love reading about your experiences with your lil girl in utero, makes me look forward to when it’s my turn 😀
Dear Monet, It sounds like a beautiful Memorial Day Celebration. What more could one ask for than a beautiful family, good food and the promise of a beautiful baby.
Blessings dear. Catherine xoxo
You sound so excited and happy. Always a pleasure to read Monet! Your mini apple and raspberry pies look really tasty!