Apple Date Spice Mini Pies
Delicious mini pies filled with chopped apples and dates, topped with a sweet spice streusel, and wrapped in a tender crust.
Recipe Prep 1 1/2 hrs. Serve approx. 22 pies
Dough:
5-6 cups organic whole wheat flour (chemical free)
1 cup organic butter
1 cup organic extra virgin coconut oil
1 1/2 tsp. Himalayan salt
4 tbsp. organic apple cider vinegar
2 1/2 cups ice water
Filling:
2 organic apples - chopped (do not peel)
2 cups dried dates - chopped
1 tbsp. organic lemon juice
Streusel:
1 cup organic coconut sugar
1/2 cup organic whole wheat flour - chemical free
1/2 cup organic butter - softened
2 tsp. organic freshly ground nutmeg
1 tbsp. organic Ceylon cinnamon
1/2 tsp. organic ground ginger
Egg wash:
1 pastured or organic egg
1/4 cup organic half & half or cream
Sweet dust:
1/4 cup organic coconut sugar
1 tsp. organic Ceylon cinnamon
In food processor, add the streusel ingredients and blend well.
Transfer to a small bowl.
Prepare dough by adding the flour, salt, butter, and coconut oil into food processor and blend well. Pour in some (but not all) of the ice water and the apple cider vinegar and blend well.
Blend until it mixes well and slightly pulls together into a ball.
It should feel slightly moist.
Note: There are different types of wheat flours and so there will be some variation in the textures also. Some will require more moisture than others
so, you may need more water than the recipe calls for.
If you need more water, than add a tbsp. or two at a time, until the
dough forms into a moist, but not sticky ball, pulling away from the
sides of the container.
Tips: Apple cider vinegar assists in a better texture.
**Coconut oil creates a different, smoother texture in doughs. I find it
easier to work with than traditional dough recipes and I love the fact
that it can be handled without fear of a tough end result. So, instead
of the light approach that is usually called for, I can take a much easier
approach and use the food processor to mix everything - with less mess
and effort - and get a great end result, that taste better and is much
healthier.
There is also the mystery behind coconut oil (unrefined) in it's flavor. Sometimes you will taste it, like in scrambled eggs, but most of the time,
it just adds to all the other flavors, but you will not taste "coconut."
So, I add it to many recipes, even though the oil is not needed, as I want
the nutritional health benefits. Consider it as a daily supplement.**
Put filling ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place parchment paper onto two large
stainless steel sheet pans.
Place dough onto lightly flour surface and roll out to a 1/8 inch thickness.
Cut into 4 inch diameter circles. Mix egg wash and apply along the inside edge of each circle with a pastry brush.
On half of the circles, place a small amount of filling (about 1 1/2 tbsp) in center of circle and then place 1 tbsp. of streusel on top.
Take the empty circles and slightly pull the dough with your fingertips to stretch it some in diameter and then place carefully on top of the filled circles and bring the edges together, pushing down slightly to make them stick together.
Flip the edges up and over the top circle, all the way around. Then pinch
and turn the edges to create a seal and a ribbon look. Place on prepared
sheet pans and brush egg wash over all of the pies. Sprinkle with sweet dust
and then using a sharp paring knife, make two slits on top of each pie.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Let cool and Enjoy!
