Poptarts or Mini Pies

Poptarts. I used to buy them on occasion, until I actually looked at the ingredients on the box. Boy was I suprised! Needless to say I went on a search to try and make my very own healthier version. I decided to use a pie crust for the outter shell and strawberry filling. My kids and husband both love these more than the preservative and sugar packed boxed version. I cut these ones out with a biscuit cutter but have also made them square with a pizza cutter. I'm thinking of making some for christmas morning in the shape of bells and trees.. Use whatever you have on hand and go crazy with creativity.. lol Next I use a simple strawberry filling. Nothing too fancy but if you are short on time you could also use some of your favorite jelly and a premade rolled pie crust from your favorite grocery store. As most things that come commercially made I don't think it tastes as yummy but it will do if you ar in a tight spot. I hope your family enjoys them as much as we do!

One of the many pie crust recipes out there...

Ingredients:

1 cup butter (cold)

2 cup flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup cold water

• Cut butter into 1/2 inch cubes. Make sure butter is thouroughly chilled. If you need to throw it in the freezer for about 20-30 min
• Combine flour salt and sugar into a bowl and mix well.
• Once your butter is cold enough add it to the flour mixture and mix well with hands or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a food processor if you prefer.
• Add a tablespoon of the cold water at a time until the dough is all moistened.
• knead on a lightly floured surface until dough holds together well.
• Form into a ball and pat down to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Wrap dough in saran wrap and place in refridgerator for an hour to chill.

While the dough is chilling I start my filling

Strawberry filling:

2 1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup sugar

2 1/2 tab cornstarch

• Remove stems and leaves from strawberries and place in a medium sized pot.
• Add in the sugar and cornstarch.
• Bring to a boil over medium-medium/high temperature stiring constantly crushing berries with back of spoon as you go along.
• Once you are at a boil continue to stir for 2 minutes to thicken.
• Remove from heat and pour into bowl to cool.

Hopefully your dough is all done and your filling is cooling down nicely... Now for the fun part!

• Remove dough from fridge and roll out to about 1/8" thick.
• Cut out into desired shapes and place a small amount of filling in the center. Depending on the size of your cutter will vary at the amount of filling to use. just make sure to leave enough edge for pressing together later.

Place the tops on and press around the edges gently with a fork to seal and poke a few holes in the top for steam to escape.

• Bake in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 min (again depending on the size of your poptarts) or until lightly browned. Allow to cool if you can and Enjoy!

I hope this all makes sense... If you have any questions or have any trouble please let me know.