Favorite Hand Pie Recipes

All About Hand Pies: Delicious Treats in the Palm of Your Hand

Hand pies are the perfect marriage between convenience and comfort food. These individual-sized pies are filled with sweet or savory ingredients and encased in a flaky, buttery crust. They're perfect for a quick breakfast, satisfying snack, or delightful dessert.

What are hand pies?

Think of hand pies as miniature pies. They're typically made with pie dough that's rolled out and cut into circles or squares. A spoonful of filling is placed in the center of each dough round, and then the dough is folded over and sealed to create a half-moon shape. The hand pies are then baked until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Sweet or Savory? The Filling Possibilities are Endless!

The beauty of hand pies is their versatility. The filling options are truly endless, so you can customize them to your taste buds. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sweet: Apple, cherry, blueberry, peach, pumpkin, chocolate, lemon curd
• Savory: Chicken pot pie, beef and vegetable, sausage and cheese, ham and Swiss, quiche Lorraine

Here are some of my favorite hand pie recipes. Click thru the link to view the full recipe.

Air fryer Blueberry Hand Pies by The Busted Oven

Caramel Apple Hand Pies by Princess Pinky Girl

Strawberry Bourbon Hand Pies by The G+M Kitchen

Glazed Blueberry Hand Pies by Swirls of Flavor

Caramel Apple Hand Pies by Savor and Savvy

Blackberry Peach Hand Pies  by Blackberry Babe

Fresh Peach Hand Pies by Simply Scrumptious Eats

Cherry Hand Pies Dipped in Chocolate by Easy Budget Recipes

Fried Peach Pies by The Cozy Plum

Apple and Blackberry Hand Pies by Anna Banana

Easy Fried Cherry Pies by Lana’s Cooking

Classic Apple Hand Pies by Spend with Pennies

Mixed Berry Hand Pies by Always Delicious

Cranberry Hand Pies by Fearless Dining

Pumpkin Hand Pies by Seasoned Sprinkles

Making Hand Pies at Home

Making hand pies at home is easier than you might think. You can use your favorite pie dough recipe or buy pre-made dough from the store. For the filling, you can use fresh or frozen fruit, canned pie filling, cooked vegetables, or leftover meats.

Here are some tips for making hand pies at home:

• If you're using fresh fruit, be sure to toss it with sugar and cornstarch to prevent it from becoming too runny.
• Don't overfill your hand pies, or they will leak during baking.
• Vent the tops of your hand pies with a few small slits to allow steam to escape.
• Brush the tops of your hand pies with egg wash for a golden brown crust.

Enjoying Hand Pies

Hand pies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They're delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of honey.

So next time you're looking for a delicious and portable treat, give hand pies a try. They're sure to become a new favorite!

Do you have a favorite hand pie filling? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

4 Steps To Becoming A History Buff

 

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Learning about history is quite interesting and can easily grab your attention. It’s a great way to spend your free time and can turn you into a more well-rounded and educated person.

If you’re looking for a new hobby then consider becoming a history buff. Even if you feel like you don’t know much about these matters currently with a little effort on your part, it won’t be long before people are turning to you for information and knowledge. There are four steps you can take that will help you become a true history buff. 

1. Choose A Topic You Care About

A good place to start is to choose a topic that you care about in history. There’s so much that went on in the past that you want to make sure you narrow your focus. Otherwise, you may become overwhelmed and lose interest in what you set out to do. For example, you can explore and learn more about The Great Depression, various wars, or civil rights. When you choose to educate yourself on a topic that you care about you’ll be more motivated to become a history buff and will stay engaged on the journey to learning more. 

2. Visit Museums

Another idea is to get out and visit a wide variety of history museums. Oftentimes museums have special exhibits to check out so go on their websites and figure out the best time during the year to check it out. You can use it as a chance to take a tour and ask questions to the guide or visit with other folks in the room to get their take on a matter. Be sure to stop in the gift shop and pick up some interesting items to take home such as civil war artifacts for sale. You can create a room or set up a dedicated space in your home to display all the items you collect and purchase over the years. 

3. Read Books & Watch Documentaries

Another step to becoming a history buff is to read books and watch documentaries on your topic of choice. The library likely has many books on the subject matter and it’s a quiet place where you can get lost in a good book and study up on the time or event in history. You can also check out books for free and bring them home with you. If you have streaming services then you should be able to quickly locate many interesting history documentaries to get lost in. These films are an opportunity to learn a lot and are usually captivating so will hold your attention. 

4. Travel the World

If you’re going to become a history buff then you should also consider spending more time and money traveling the world. There are certain locations to zero in on that are filled with history such as visiting Philadelphia in the US or heading off to Europe. There are likely many group tours that you can join to help you learn more about certain locations and buildings that have a lot of history to them. It’s a chance to be truly engaged in history and can offer you a more thrilling experience than just reading about it in a textbook.

Throwing an Office Party? Here Are Four Key Elements for the Perfect Plan

 Office parties are great fun! It’s the one time that the often drab office space has some semblance of vibrancy to it, and with a myriad of different ways to set things up, they’re a joy to plan, too. 

That said, organizing the perfect office party isn’t necessarily an easy task even if it’s exciting. While it might seem like a bit of simple fun, there’s actually a fair amount to consider that as the designated planner, is up to you to get right. 

In this article, you’ll learn about four key elements to ensuring your office party goes off without a hitch!

Image Credit: Pexels

1. Setting Your Budget and Planning Early

First off, you’ll need to determine a budget. Start by defining each aspect that’ll cost you money (such as games, catering, decorations, and so on), and then add everything together for one final sum. 

Your budget should be based on what people actually want, of course, so don’t waste money: conduct a survey to find out what sort of party people would like and plan accordingly. Make sure not to leave anyone out – the more insight you get into personal preference, the better party you’ll be able to plan. 

2. Optimize the Space for the Event

Your party will take place in an environment that’s not naturally conducive to dancing and entertainment, so you’ll need to plan how you’re going to rearrange the office space to make sure it’s fit for purpose. 

Start by designating different areas: one for food, one for dancing, another where people can sit and have a chat, and so on. You may need to rent some additional tables, chairs, and other furniture to make the place more functional. 

3. Office Catering Services

Food is an essential part of an event like this, so prioritize it and hire a professional office catering team (such as Saint Germain: https://www.saintgermaincatering.com/catering/office-catering-dc) to make sure everything snack-related is taken care of. 

Office catering services are able to deliver food straight to the venue with a plethora of different options to fit all budgets and dietary requirements. You could do it all yourself, but this would be a lot of effort best channeled towards other areas of the party.

4. Entertainment

Perhaps the most important aspect of throwing a great office party is the entertainment. Many people hire a live band or a DJ, as there’s nothing better to get people excited than a dance and a sing-along! You could also play some party games or organize a raffle if you think that’ll go down well, or even hire a photo booth for the night (these always work a treat).

There are numerous ways to organize entertainment, so again, go around the office and ask what people like so that you can cater to everyone. 

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of the key elements that go into throwing the perfect office party. Your venue might not be a party sort of place, but you’d be surprised at how you can transform the place. Good luck!

Supporting Your Family’s Wellness Through Seasonal Changes

 

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Seasonal changes can bring a fresh perspective to routines, but they also come with unique challenges for health. The transition from warm summer days to crisp autumn mornings or cold winter nights can impact energy levels, immunity, and overall well-being. Families often notice these shifts through more frequent colds, increased fatigue, or even seasonal allergies.

Adapting your family’s wellness approach to match these changes is essential to maintain good health year-round. From strengthening the immune system to managing allergies, a proactive mindset can help everyone navigate seasonal transitions more smoothly.

The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Family Health

As temperatures fluctuate, the body needs time to adjust. Seasonal changes can affect your family’s immune defenses, making it easier for colds and other illnesses to take hold. In the winter months, for instance, lower temperatures and less sunlight can weaken the immune system, while spring often brings pollen and allergens that trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Understanding these seasonal challenges is the first step in keeping your family healthy. Knowing what to expect during each season allows you to prepare better and incorporate habits that minimize health risks.

Nutritional Support for a Stronger Immune System

Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting immunity, especially during seasons when health challenges are more frequent. A balanced diet filled with colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your family’s immune system strong.

If your family experiences frequent colds or general fatigue, you may want to consider vitamins for weak immune system issues. These supplements are designed to support natural defenses, making it easier to stay healthy during challenging seasons. 

Probiotics, for example, promote gut health, which is closely linked to immune function. Vitamin D, often lacking during colder months due to reduced sun exposure, supports the body’s ability to fight off illnesses. Zinc is another valuable nutrient that plays a role in immune response. Choosing supplements with a focus on high-quality ingredients and consulting a healthcare provider ensures they meet your family’s needs.

Encouraging Healthy Habits Year-Round

Healthy habits are the backbone of wellness, no matter the season. Encouraging your family to adopt simple yet impactful routines can help everyone feel their best throughout the year.

One of the easiest ways to support health is through regular handwashing. It’s an effective way to reduce the spread of germs and prevent common illnesses, especially during colder months when colds and flu are more prevalent. Reminding children to wash their hands before meals, after playing outdoors, or when they’ve been around others can make a big difference.

Staying hydrated is another important habit. While people often associate hydration with summer heat, it’s equally important during cooler months when indoor heating can cause dehydration. Keep water bottles accessible and encourage everyone to drink water consistently throughout the day.

Physical activity also plays a critical role in staying healthy. Outdoor activities, like walking, biking, or simply playing in the yard, promote fitness and expose the body to natural sunlight, which helps maintain vitamin D levels. Even during colder seasons, bundling up and spending time outdoors can improve mood and energy levels.

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is essential, too. Proper rest supports the immune system and helps the body recover from daily stress. Encourage family members to have a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or dimming lights before bed, to promote better sleep.

Managing Seasonal Allergies and Common Illnesses

Seasonal allergies can disrupt family life, especially during spring and fall. Symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion can make daily activities challenging for children and adults alike. To manage allergies, reduce exposure to triggers. Keep windows closed during high pollen days, use air purifiers, and clean frequently used areas like carpets and bedding.

For colds and other common illnesses, early action can help minimize discomfort. Teach children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing and encourage them to avoid sharing utensils or drinks with others. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Boosting Family Wellness with Seasonal Activities

Seasonal activities are a great way to combine fun with wellness. In spring, gardening can encourage kids to spend time outdoors while learning about plants and healthy eating. Summer offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, or picnics that promote physical activity.

During fall, apple picking or visiting pumpkin patches can double as exercise and family bonding. In winter, indoor activities like cooking healthy meals together or yoga sessions can keep everyone active and engaged. These activities strengthen family connections while contributing to overall well-being.

Seasonal changes don’t have to disrupt your family’s health. By focusing on nutrition, building healthy habits, managing allergies, and enjoying seasonal activities, you can support wellness year-round. With consistent effort, you create a foundation for good health that benefits every family member, no matter the time of year.

Starbucks Copycats To Make At Home

Ditch the Drive-Thru: Starbucks Favorites Made at Home ☕️

We all love that feeling of grabbing a delicious Starbucks drink or treat, but the cost can really add up. Luckily, with a few simple recipes and some creativity, you can enjoy your favorite Starbucks flavors from the comfort of your own home!

Brew Like a Barista:

There's no need to miss that perfectly brewed coffee. Invest in some good quality coffee beans and a french press or pour-over cone. Experiment with grind size and brewing time to find your perfect cup. For specialty drinks, make your own flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut) with a little sugar, water, and extracts.

Copycat Classics:

Copycat Starbucks Crispy Treats by Two Pink Peonies

Cranberry Bliss Bars by Turning Clock Back

Cheese Danish by Rich and Delish

Keto Lemon Loaf by Low Carb Yum

Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake by Spend with Pennies

Keto Coffee Cake Copycat by Low Carb Inspirations

Classic Lemon Loaf by Love From the Oven

Ginger Molasses Cookies by xoxo Bella

Quinoa Broccoli Egg Bites  by I Food Real

Pumpkin Scones by Living Gluten Free

Starbucks Banana Bread by Sugar + Soul

S’mores Bars by Princess Pinky Girl

Chocolate Revel Bars by Simply Scrumptious Eats

Starbucks PBJ Sandwich by Sweet Pea’s Kitchen

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread by Living Beyond Allergies

The Best Part? Customization!

The beauty of making your own Starbucks favorites at home is the ability to customize them to your taste. Don't like caramel? Try a different flavored syrup. Want a lighter option? Use skim milk or a milk alternative. The possibilities are endless!

So ditch the drive-thru line and save some money. With these copycat recipes, you can enjoy your favorite Starbucks flavors anytime you want, in the comfort of your own home. And remember, sharing is caring – whip up a double batch to treat your friends and family too!