Caramel Apple Hand Pies

for pastry

2 cups flour

2/3 cup shortening

6-7 tablespoons ice water

for filling

1 large granny smith apple, diced fine

1/4 cup sugar

juice of half a lemon

2 teaspoons flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon 

6 caramels, cut into 8 pieces each

1 pinch of salt

for topping

1 egg, beaten

sanding sugar

~prepare pastry~

Combine flour and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Toss with 6 to 7 tablespoons of cold water until dough comes together.

Roll out dough and cut into 24 small circles.

Place 12 circles onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.

~add filling~

Combine diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, flour and cinnamon.

Top twelve dough circles with 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of apple mixture,

4 pieces of caramel and a bit of salt.

~finish pies~

Place the remaining 12 dough circles on top of filling.

Using a fork, crimp around the edges to seal pies.

Brush pies with beaten egg and sprinkle with sanding sugar.

Bake pies at 425° for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Let pies cool, filling will be very hot. 

Enjoy! 

(Adapted from original recipe at Just a Taste.)