Pie In A Jar

Besides getting great local gossip at the Y, I also get some great recipes. I was spinning next to a woman the other day who was telling me about pie in a jar, and that she had made these little individual pies for a baby shower and everyone just loved them. Each pie is made in a half pint mason jar, completely assembled and ready to bake, then frozen. They're in the freezer for that night when you have a yearning for something warm and home made, or when unexpected guests drop by for dessert. I made apple pie, but you can use any fruit or berry, or if you're really lazy, just use the store bought filling. I also made my own crust, but again, buy the store bought if you wish. Anyway you make these, your guests will be delighted not only with a wonderful home made pie, but the presentation. They are so cute!!

Pie in a Jar

4 half pint mason jars, with lids, available at Ace Hardware
pie crust, enough for 1 regular size pie with top crust
fruit filling or crumb topping

Pie Crust

1 1/4 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cupt + 1 T shortening (I use Crisco butter flavor)
1/4 cup ice water, or as much as needed

prepare crust and wrap in plastic wrap until needed. In the mean time, make the filling

Filling

2 cups peeled and cored apples, sliced (or any fruit of your choice)
2 T. sugar (brown or white)
2 T. flour
1 T. butter (cut in little pieces)
cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla as desired

Mix all ingredients together and get ready to assemble.

Assembly

Roll dough, and cut rounds for the tops of the pies from the lid of the mason jar. Roll out pie dough, or simply take little pies and press on inside of jar, bottom and sides. Then fill with fruit mixture, almost to the top. Take the rounds you cut for the top and place them on top, crimping the sides all around. Cut a few slits in top for steam to escape. Put tops on jars and store in freezer. If you prefer a crumb top, use 2 T. oatmeal, 2 T. butter cut in bits, 2 T. brown sugar and a little cinnamon. Mix all together and press on top of fruit mixture, then put the top on and freeze.

When you're ready to eat, cook for 45 minutes at 350 degrees or until pies are brown and bubbly. Do not worry about the jars cracking. They won't. Enjoy.

I know they sound like a lot of work, but they really aren't...I made them today and they came out great.