Let’s Get Real
So, let me set the scene for you. It’s one of those gloomy, drizzly days where all you want to do is curl up in a blanket burrito with a cup of hot cocoa in one hand and a hearty snack in the other. And naturally, my mind goes straight to sweet potato hand pies. Growing up, my exposure to pies was pretty limited: Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, birthday cake, and that somewhat soggy store-bought chocolate pie my aunt would insist on bringing to every family gathering. But, oh boy, once I discovered sweet potato hand pies, it was like someone turned the lights on in my culinary universe.
You see, I used to scoff at the idea of sweet potatoes. They were like that kid on the playground who never seemed to fit in—a bit too chunky, a little too earthy, and not quite as cool as regular potatoes. But then, somewhere along the way, I tasted a perfectly spiced sweet potato dish, and I was struck with the culinary equivalent of Cupid’s arrow. Sweet potatoes weren’t just a side dish; they were a vibe! The buttery, flaky crust wrapped around a velvety sweet potato filling? It’s the comfort food hug your soul didn’t know it needed. You’ll be glad to know that I’m fully aboard the sweet potato train now, and we’re about to journey into the world of hand pies that’ll make your heart sing louder than a cat at 3 AM.
Ingredients, Unfiltered
What’s Really in Sweet Potato Hand Pies
– Sweet Potatoes: Honestly, they’re the star of this show. I prefer the orange ones; they’re sweeter and blend into a creamy filling that just melts in your mouth. And for the record, if you find yourself with purple ones, I’ve tried it, and it’s definitely a vibe, just not the classic one we’re going for here.
– Butter: Because what’s a pie without a little love from our dear friend, butter? It makes everything richer and flakier; this ingredient is mandatory. Seriously, do not even think about substituting it with margarine. I learned that the hard way.
– Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds depth and richness to the sweet potato filling. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you might want to go a little heavier on this. Remember, moderation is key, but also, who really measures sugar with moderation?
– Cinnamon: Some people say cinnamon is overrated. Those people are wrong. This spice makes everything reminiscent of cozy fall afternoons. It’s like wearing your favorite sweater that you find in the back of your closet as if it’s Christmas morning.
– Nutmeg: Just a pinch will do, trust me. Too much nutmeg, and this will taste like you just walked into an old lady’s closet. And by the way, nutmeg deserves its moment; it’s been waiting for a runway debut in the spice world.
– Vanilla Extract: Is this a must for the filling? I’d say yes. It’s like adding a little fancy touch that makes you feel like you’ve really leveled up your baking game, even if you also have flour and sugar still stuck to your forehead.
– Puff Pastry: Anyone else have a complicated relationship with making pie crust from scratch? You either have to chill the butter, wrestle with dough, or just embrace the miracle of frozen puff pastry—my choice ten out of ten times. Turn that defrosting into a dance party because we’re getting ready to whip up some magic.
Let’s Talk Health (or Not)
Is This Even Healthy? Let’s Discuss
“Healthy” is a relative term, and this brings me to my next point. Sure, there’s butter, and yes, we’re using sugar — but hear me out! These sweet potato hand pies are WAY better than those hyper-processed factory snacks you’d find in the supermarket. So, while we might not be winning any “healthy eating awards” here, I don’t sleep badly at night thinking about my life choices. The sweet potatoes bring vitamins and fiber to the party, and the sugar is just the fun ticket to flavor town.
Seriously, the joy of biting into a flaky golden crust filled with sweet potato goodness doesn’t get overshadowed by a little butter. It’s all about balance, and if a couple of hand pies make your gloomy day slightly brighter, then who am I to judge? Live your life, my friend. If it makes your heart happy, it’s probably worth every calorie.
Your Grocery List
Here’s What You’ll Need
– 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (or more, depending on your sweet tooth)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– A pinch of ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 sheet of store-bought puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
– 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
As for how many it feeds? That’s about 4-6 hand pies, but I can guarantee you’ll want to make a double batch. You might as well claim them as your lunch for the week, right? Totally normal behavior.
The Actual Cooking Part
Okay, Let’s Make This
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, we need to preheat the oven to 400°F (or about 200°C for those of you who dare to measure in Celsius, which I personally find confusing). While that’s warming up, let’s get our sweet potatoes ready.
Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Get those sweet potatoes washed and pricking with a fork like you’re trying to make them feel as uncomfortable as you felt in gym class during dodgeball. Place them on a baking sheet and toss them into the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until fork-tender. Just don’t forget about them and accidentally feast on some overdone, shriveled-up sweet potatoes. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Once your sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle (seriously, don’t burn your hands like I did the first time), cut them open, scoop out the flesh, and toss it in a bowl. Add in your melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Time to channel your inner culinary diva – mash it all together until smooth! It should have a creamy texture, like your favorite hot chocolate.
Step 4: Price Is Right or Wrong – Roll Out the Pastry
Now let’s talk puff pastry. Flour your surface and methodically roll it out if you’re feeling fancy; if not, you can just unfurl that glorious sheet straight from the package. Cut it into squares or circles — whatever your artistic heart wants! Aim for about 5 inches across, which is about the appropriate size for your potential hand pie creation.
Step 5: Stuff Them Good
Now comes the fun part—stuffing! Place a generous tablespoon of that decadent sweet potato filling in the center of each pastry square. Don’t skimp! Then fold it over and crimp the edges with a fork so those precious fillings don’t escape, like a little pie prison for the goodness inside.
Step 6: Egg Wash for the Win
Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This gives them that enviable golden brown crust, and it’s also like giving them a fancy spa treatment. If you’re feeling saucy, sprinkle some extra sugar on top for added crunch!
Step 7: Bake Your Love
Arrange those glorious little parcels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they’re up to a rich golden-brown. Remember to check on them halfway through. The moment you realize you’re about to become the world’s worst hand pie parent is not cute.
Step 8: Cooling Down
Once they’re out of the oven, give them a couple of minutes to cool, or risk burning your tongue (again, take it from me). You’ll want to take a moment to geek out over your hand pies because, honestly, they’re as cute as a button.
Side Notes & Sassy Hacks
Bonus Tips You Didn’t Ask For
1. **Freezing Is Your Friend:** These hand pies freeze beautifully! If you’re not eating them all in one sitting (which, let’s be honest, is tough), stash them in the freezer. Just follow the same baking steps. They can be frozen raw before baking, so you can pop them in the oven whenever you’re feeling snacky.
2. **Savory Switch-Up:** Want to give a savory twist? Use mashed sweet potatoes as a base and mix in some sautéed onions or goat cheese. You’ll woo your guests into believing you are a five-star chef in a matter of minutes.
3. **Creative Crusts:** Try swapping out puff pastry for shortcrust or even trying a biscuit dough recipe for an even more decadent treat. Live your crust life; you deserve it!
4. **Topping Ideas:** Drizzle some maple syrup over the finished hand pies or even a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche if you want to fancy it up for guests (or for yourself because why not?).
5. **Don’t Overthink It:** If you don’t have time to roast the sweet potatoes (or just forgot!), you can use canned sweet potato puree. Just make sure to reduce the brown sugar a bit since canned versions are often sweet. Some would call this “the easy way” but I call it “making life easier one pie at a time.”
Final Words of (Culinary) Wisdom
Honestly, I hope you’re ready to load up on these sweet potato hand pies because once you make them, you’re bound to fall in love all over again. Whether you’re tackling a gloomy day or just want to impress your friends, trust me, this recipe will not disappoint. If you try it, tag me. Or just send me a mental high-five. Either way, I’d love to hear about your triumphs (or chaotic missteps) in the kitchen! Happy pie-baking, my fellow culinary adventurers!
