Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Individual Chicken Pot Pies



Tip: Read directions completely before preparing.

Ingredients:
2 ½ tablespoons, butter
¼ cup, onion, diced
¼ cup, carrots, diced
¼ cup, celery, diced
1/4 cup all purpose flour, plus additional for rolling out pie crust
¼ teaspoon salt
pinch fresh ground pepper, to taste
2 cups, chicken broth
2 cups,  cooked chicken, diced
¼ cup, frozen peas
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 sheet, pie crust
1 small, egg yolk
1 teaspoon water

Directions:
In a medium saucepan or stockpot, melt butter over medium to low heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook until the onions softens, about 3 – 4 minutes.


Add flour, and pepper. Cook, constantly stirring until the mixture has a little light brown,  about 5 minutes.



Add chicken broth and continue whisking frequently. Bring to a boil and continue stirring until it thickens.


Lower heat and bring to a  simmer, simmering for about another 5 minutes, stirring every minute. Stir in the chicken, peas and thyme; season with salt and pepper to taste. Check to make sure salt is ok, and do not over salt. Refrigerate the chicken broth mixture 20 minutes.



Preheat oven to 365 degrees.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the pie crust.  Using the ramekins you will be using to bake your pot pies as a guide. Place them lightly on the pie crust and cut around, allowing 1-inch plus larger than dish. With the tip of a knife, cut vents into the pastry.


Divide the pot pie filling between 2 - 12-ounce baking dishes and fill.


Place the pastry cutouts  on top of each baking dish. (You can decorate your pot pies as you like. I used leaf cookie cutters) Optional Beat the egg yolk and water in a small bowl. With a pastry brush, brush a little egg wash on pastry.  Refrigerate the prepared baking dishes for 15 minutes. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Place the cooled baking dishes on the cookie sheet, evenly placed.


Bake until pastry is golden brown and juices are bubbling, about 25-35 minutes.

Carefully place the hot baking dishes on top of individual serving plates and serve. Enjoy!

Servings: 2 Pot Pies


Tip:  Be careful! The dish will be hot!