How to Make Baked Apple Hand Pies 蘋果批 (餡餅)

Are you enjoying the cooler temperature and the scenery of fallen red and golden Maple leaves?  I sure love them both.  But what I love even more are all the warm and hearty recipes that fit for Fall!  There should be no surprise that dessert always makes the top of my list!  These adorable and heart-warming Apple Hand Pies are definitely my favorite Fall dessert.  They are also both of my kids' favorite!  What a surprise!?  It’s seldom that they both love the same item or a dish!  So, I’m happy to bake up these cuties more often!



Many hand pie recipes are deep fried.  However, I don’t like to deep fry for obvious reasons.   To me, deep fry usually involved absorbing too much unnecessary oil and calories!  Besides, I don’t want to deal with a large pot of left-over oil and greasy smell in the kitchen as well.  So, I opt for a baked version!  These baked Apple Hand Pies are just as scrumptious and decadent, if not better, than the deep fried version!



The crust of these Apple Hand Pies is buttery and flaky, the apple filling is slightly sweet and tart, and very juicy.  The combination of earthy cinnamon and refreshing apples is simply heavenly!  These hand pies are fun to eat and very portable.  You can easily pack them for picnic or bring them to parties for sharing.  I shared them with some friends and they all loved them!



If you haven’t check out the video tutorial, please do so as I shared more tips and tricks in the video and you don’t want to miss them.   I hope you enjoy today’s post and recipe.  Please subscribe to my Youtube channel here.  That way, you won’t miss out on any future videos and you’ll be the first to know when I have a new tutorial published.  And remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy!  Stay tuned for more Fall and Holiday baking next week!




Ingredients and Tools Used:
Apple Shape Pocket Pie Mold (Click here for more information)
4-icnh Round Cookie Cutter (Click here for more information)
Mini Cookie Cutter Set (Click here for more information)
Organic Ground Cinnamon (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Rolling Mat (Click here for more information)
Rolling Pin (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Microplane Zester (Click here for more information)
Whole Nutmeg (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Organic All-Purpose Flour (Click here for more information)




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April’s Fool Recipe – Apple Juice Jello in Disguise as A Glass of Beer

Do you know someone who loves Happy Hours or into a nice tall glass of icy beer?  Who doesn’t, right?  I guess most guys prefer a glass of beer over cocktails or red wine.  Here’s a good prank you can play this April’s Fool: Apple Juice Jello in disguise as a glass of beer!  If you haven’t done so, check out the video tutorial above.  It’s super easy to prepare.
 


My Little Boy loves to play pranks!  Mostly, they are pretty much harmless and give us some good laughs.  On the other hand,  I prefer jokes and other funny stuffs, but not quite into pranks.  Guess my boy influenced me somehow with his little pranks!   



I have to say, these little Apple Jello glasses look quite realistic as beer!  Since there are only 2 ingredients in this recipe, please make sure to use good quality apple juice that you would also enjoy drinking.  That will ensure these little treats taste delicious.  I definitely love these refreshing apple juice jello a lot, especially when my kids can enjoy them too.  Wish you all a fun and memorable April’s Fool Day!  Stay cool…even though if someone plays a prank on you! 
 





Ingredients and Tools used:

Mini 5 oz Mugs with Handles (Click here for more informatiion)
Unflavored Gelatin Powder (Click here for more informatiion)
Martinelli Apple Juice (Click here for more informatiion)
4 Cups Measuring Cup (Click here for more informatiion)
Egg Beater (Click here for more informatiion)




April’s Fool Recipe – Apple Juice Jello in Disguise as A Glass of Beer:

4 cups apple juice
4 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin

In a microwave safe bowl, place 1/2 cup apple juice and sprinkle gelatin powder on top. Give it a quick stir and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir well. Return to the microwave and heat for another 30 seconds or until the gelatin powder is completely melted.

Place the remaining 3 ½ cups of apple juice in a large measuring cup with a beaker. Pour in the gelatin mixture and continue to whisk until foamy.

Then, evenly divided into small beer mugs or serving glasses. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until set. Enjoy!
 
 
 

Apple Harvest Cocktail

Are you ready for Fall yet?  I guess I’ve been ready since last winter!  However, the nature is not quite cooperating as we’re still having pretty warm temperature.  The good news is, this Apple Harvest Cocktail will sure put you in the mood for Fall, or at least help makes me feel Fall has arrived!



This is a delightful and crisp cocktail that you can enjoy any time of the year.  But the apple cider and cinnamon really helps set the tone for Autumn. 




I’ve also added some bourbon, which harmonized wonderfully with apple and cinnamon.  The maple syrup slightly sweetened the drink and gives a depth of flavor as well.



Of course, the dash of ground cinnamon on top isn’t just for garnish.  It adds the earthy and warmth to this drink which complement the apple cider perfectly. 



I top this cocktail with a little bit of ginger ale for the evanescent and the little carbonation really makes this drink crisp and refreshing.



Last but not least, this cocktail also serves as a small snack with the thin apple slice on top!  I hope you really enjoy today’s video tutorial and recipe.  Give this recipe a try on your next gathering, or simply because, it’s 5 o’clock!  Cheers!

Props and Ingredients used:

9 ounce Old Fashion Glasses (click here for more information)
Ground Cinnamon (click here for more information)
Cinnamon Sticks (Click here for more information)
Hard wood coasters (Click here for more information)




Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.

Roasted Shrimp Salad with Thyme and Lemon Frico

Are you all still eating light and doing more exercise to keep up with your New Year Resolutions?  Oh, it's just a friendly reminder!  You don’t need to feel guilty if you have already forgotten all about the resolutions.  After all, I don’t really make resolutions anymore since years ago.  Besides, eating well and exercising more should be a second nature and a daily habit... not just for the first month of the year.  Yeah, sadly, that’s the length of time that most people (including me) really follow through with their new year resolutions.  So, let’s make eating well a year round thing, and not just for the sake of resolution, shall we?  By the way, eating well doesn’t mean scarifying flavors either, that is a big-mistake/wrong-impression on eating healthy.  May I introduce you to this scrumptious Roasted Shrimp Salad with Thyme and Lemon Frico?  Don’t worry, I will still post sweets and treats recipes that I made.  I believe moderation is the key on those, don’t you agree?



Back to this salad, have you ever tried a frico?  It is a (Italian) cheese crisp.  It consists of a wafer of shredded cheese, baked or fried until crisp (I baked).  The cheeses often used are Montasio, Parmesan or Mozzarella.  I used Parmigiano-Reggiano, and jazz it up with some fresh lemon zest and fresh thyme leaves.  They make the best garnish on soup, salad, stew, or anything that you love to add a nice salty crunch.  Besides looking gorgeous, the frico tastes wonderful as well. It’s salty and cheesy; the thyme leaves add a hint of earthiness and the lemon zest brightens up the whole crisp.  The texture is super crunchy, yet, melt in your mouth the moment you bite into one.  It’s magical.



Let me show you how I make them.

1) Grade some Parmigiano-Reggiano

2) Add lemon zest and thyme leave and mix well

3) Spoon them onto silpat or parchment lined baking sheets.  Slightly flatten them with the back of a spoon.

4) Bake at 375 degree F for 8 to 10 minutes and let them cool on the pan over a wiring rack until cool. 



Super simple to prepare, isn’t it?  The flavor is complex and beautiful.  They paired well with this Roasted Shrimp Salad.  In this salad, I used juicy and crispy Fuji Apples, roasted zucchinis that are tender, and crunchy roasted shrimps and super rich and creamy avocados.  The dressing is simple, a little lemon juice, agave, salt and pepper, and 2 tablespoons of Japanese Mayo; yes, that’s all you needed and that’s all I used.  You don’t want too much Mayo in your dressing because as you toss the salad together, the ripped avocado will break up a little and creates the most creamy “dressing”, hence the slightly greenish color of the salad. 



You can serve this salad on a plate as an entree, or in a small cup as an elegant appetizer.  Either way, your eyes and tummy will thank you.  And oh, you’re very welcome.  Until next time, take care and let’s all eat better together.

Mini Apple Cranberry Pies

My kids and I love apple pies.  But I don’t usually make them often at home.  You might ask why, right?  Well, that’s because most of the traditional apple pie recipes out there are pretty time consuming.  Making the pie dough, chilling it, rolling it out, blind baking the pie crust, then chopping and cooking the filling before we can move on to baking, etc, etc, etc.  I get tired just to type these steps out.  This fried version might seems easier and oh so tempting!  Too tempting, actually!  But then I seldom make fry food in my house and you know why.  No?  Here’s why: I guess I love fried food so much it’s just too dangerous to have that pot of oil ready for frying.  I will probably be deep frying everything edible from the kitchen! 



Then, these Mini Apple Cranberry Pies were created because I was in a hurry for some treats; And to satisfy that major craving for the crispy outside, warm and gooey inside type of apple pie!  What is even better?  I added some dried cranberries inside.  They absorbed the extra juices that released from the apples and added a slightly sweet and tart flavors to these mini beauties.  They are super duper easy to make too. 



Come with me to the kitchen to see how they are prepared.

1) Chopped the apples, add the lemon juice, cranberries, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt and sugar and let it hang out.

2) Roll out the puff pastry into 12 by 16-inches rectangle, then cut into 12 (4-inch) squares.

3) Slightly spray the inside of the muffin pan with non-stick spray, place one piece of dough into each cavity.  Spoon the apple mixture onto each dough and bring the four corners to the middle.  Slightly pinch the dough to deal it.

4) Brush some egg wash on top and bake away.



Super easy right?  I think they are dangerously easy.  Please don’t ask me how many I had when they came out of the oven!  I won’t tell.  The crust of these Mini Apple Cranberry Pies is flaky, light and buttery; the apple cranberry filling is warm, gooey, tender and juicy.  It’s slightly sweet and tart at the same time with a hint of cinnamon.  A perfect fall/winter treat, in my opinion.  Bring these to your next holiday gatherings and you’ll be the star!



If you’re feeling fancy, serve these with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I skipped both this time and serve them with a cup of hot tea instead which was just as wonderful.
 


I hope you all enjoyed today’s recipe. Stay tuned for some cool Giveaways on the next post.

Spiced Up Apple Chips to Welcome Fall—With Pictorial

It’s officially Autumn/Fall according to the calendar.  Somehow, the temperature in L.A. refuses to reflect that.  I can’t believe we’re still having high 90s F temperatures as we step into October!  My AC and my electric bill need serious help.  HELP!



Although the temperature is still summer-like in L.A., I’m already in the mood for Fall.  At least, my palates say so.  I’m sure most of you who are reading this post already wearing some nice sweaters when going out, maybe having the softest blanket as you roll yourself up while watching your favorite TV series on the couch (one of my favorite things to do to relax before I have kids), or even a mug of hot apple cider in your hands to get the chill off.  Yeah?  Please just say yes because I can totally imagine myself doing just that in Fall and Winter!  The key word here is imagine! Or should I just say I wish I can do just that!



Before it’s cool enough for me to enjoy a cup of hot apple cider, fortunately, I have these Spiced Up Apple Chips!  They taste just like a cup of hot apple cider, in the form of chips without all the heat.  I can still taste the warmth from the spices on them.  Another great thing is that they are baked in the oven at 200F degree, which won’t warm up my kitchen that much.  Thank goodness! 



In these Spiced Up Apple Chips, I coated them with the spiced-up sugar before baking them.  While they were in the oven, I can smell the cinnamon and cardamom sugar caramelizing.  My whole house smelled amazing and probably was the sweetest and warmest smell that Fall can get.  Forget about the scented candles, all you need are Spiced Up Apple Chips in the oven and it’s all natural. 



In case if you’re not familiar with cardamom, here’s how they look (see picture below).  Those on the left are in whole pods and the one on the right are ground up ones.  Cardamom is a popular spice in Indian cuisines, both in desserts and in beverages.  It has a strong and unique taste, very aromatic and fragrance.  It’s slightly spicy, comparable to fresh ginger, and has a hint of lemony freshness.  It go so well with the warmth of the cinnamon.



Want to follow me to the kitchen to make these Spiced Up Apple Chips?  Let’s go.

1) Place the sugar, cinnamon, and ground cardamom in a shallow dish.  Stir until it’s well combined.

2) Slice the apples as thin as you can, about 1/8-inch.  Noticed in the picture I have a Gala apple and a Granny Smith?  I like it better with the Gala, the green apple is a bit too tart for my liking.  They still taste great, but I love the Gala better.

3) Remove the core with a small cookie cutter, cute right? And it’s so easy.  Unless you have the apple corer, use it before slicing the apple.  Gently pat the apple slices with a paper towel so they are dried up.  Somehow, I missed a picture of that.  I must be too excited for the next step!  

4) Drench the apple slices in the spiced sugar, shake of excess and place them on the silpat/parchment paper lined sheet pan in a single layer.  And bake them away.



These Spiced Up Apple Chips are crispy and crunchy.  The perfect snack for Fall and Winter.  I love the warmth and sweetness from the cinnamon and the little hint of spiciness from the cardamom.  The caramelized sugar adds an additional crunch to these chips.  These are totally ADDICTIVE!  Did I say addictive?  Okay, you’re officially warned!



Time for another confession?  You bet.  Yes, you guess it right, I used to dislike cinnamon, a lot, when I was young.  It’s another ingredient that I grow to love and enjoy now.  I think the taste and fragrant of cinnamon reminds me of happy times with my good friends.  Friends I grew old with and shared many sweet memories.  Cinnamon reminds me of times when we were carefree, had some crazy fun time at the Theme Parks and enjoyed some cinnamon churros; Times we walked at the shopping mall until we couldn't walk anymore and sat down to share a cinnamon bun and a cup of coffee; Times when we didn't have to worry that the cinnamon bun will go straight to our behinds!  Those were the good old days.  That’s when I realized, I really love and enjoy cinnamon, after all.



But if you don’t like cinnamon, it’s okay too.  Noticed from the picture above that I have two different types of chips?  Those on the right are “naked” ones without the spiced coating.  For those, I simply sliced up the apples and baked them off.  And for the record, those plain chips are for my hubby.  Yeah, he’s still at the “growing” stage to enjoy cinnamon. 



I encourage you to try the spiced up version though.  The caramelized sugar just added a different type of crunch that you can’t get from the plain ones.  They are simply crisp, light, and packed with lost of spices and flavors.



Now, it’s time to get into the kitchen and make your own batch of Spiced Up Apple Chips.  I know you’re going to love them.