Simple Lemon and Berry Hand Pies

I didn’t think I was going to have time to do anything heart shaped this Valentines Day as my days have been so busy, but I did have a chance today to do these little Lemon & Berry Hand Pies for my Todd.  He does love a jam tart and he really enjoyed these!

You can buy your pastry ready rolled, or you can make your own like I did.  My recipe is here and it’s a good one.  You will want to double it.   You simply roll the pastry out and then cut out 3 inch wide hearts.  You will need sixteen of them.

They are filled with a dab of lemon curd and a dab of strawberry jam.  Use good ones, or if you have homemade, even better  . . .  use them!  Don’t be tempted to overfill these . . .  a scant teaspoon of each will do  . . .  otherwise you will have blow outs . . .

You are bound to have a certain amount of those anyways, no matter how well you think you have sealed them shut.  Not over-filling them however does minimize this hazard.  A simple vanilla icing decorates the tops and of course if it is a special occasion you can use sprinkles on top.  Simple.  Delicious.  Easy to make.  Your family will love them.

Whisk together the icing sugar, butter, vanilla and enough milk to give you a creamy icing perfect for spreading.  Spread this on top of the hand pies and sprinkle with sprinkles if using before the icing sets.

Happy Valentines Day!  Bon Appetit!

Debunking the myths of English Cookery, one recipe at a time.
The English Kitchen
http://theenglishkitchen.blogspot.com/