Sunday

Mini Pies Baked in Canning Jars



This idea for baking individual pies in small canning jars has been in my "to make" file for at least two years. Today is the day!

I'm also participating in:

This week hosted by Lori of
All That Splatters.
Please click the logo to learn more.













I first saw the idea on Lloyd & Lauren's blog, and if you do an internet search you can find several variations. I thought they would make perfect little Valentine's Day desserts.
















I made a few changes; rather than line the entire jar with pastry I made a cookie & nut bottom crust because I wanted a ratio of more fruit than dough ~ as the jars only hold 1/2 pint.



For the bottom crust I used crushed vanilla wafers mixed with ground toasted almonds and a little melted butter. I add a generous sprinkling of cinnamon to the mix (optional.) The food processor makes quick work of this step. (Crushed graham crackers or almost any type of crushed cookies, and any type of toasted ground nuts could be substituted.) I placed about 3 tablespoons of the mixture in the bottom of each jar then tamped it down firmly with the bottom of a small drinking glass and baked off for 5 minutes in a 375*(F) oven.

















Use any favorite pie filling ~ I took a shortcut this time and used THIS from Sur la Table. Although a little costly (one jar only makes 3 small pies), it is very good, not too sweet and not too tart.











Fill the fruit to 1/2 to 3/4-inch from the top of the jar and top with your favorite pastry dough. I cut the vent shape before placing the pastry on the jar, then "crimped" with the tines of a fork. Brush with an egg wash or heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar or sugar crystals if desired. Note: If you want to use the lid and band with the jar (for storage or portability reasons) you'll want to allow head room so place the pastry below the top of the jar. The filling and crust will expand a bit while baking, but will shrink back down as the jars cool.)





I experimented with small vent holes and large ~ and fork crimped, as well as folded and crimped crust.
I prefer the smaller size vent hole... but it's just a matter of personal preference.
The folded and finger-crimped crust stayed in place more securely than the fork crimped, and it didn't brown too quickly as the thinner fork crimped style did.


Place the jars on a silpat/silicone mat or parchment lined, shallow baking tray and bake until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbling.







Serve warm or at room temperature... plain, with a dollop of slightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.




Back to edit:
~CANNING JARS~
I've recieved several emails inquiring about the canning jars I used in for these mini-pies. If you have trouble finding them in your area they can be ordered from Amazon.com,
click the image to learn more:













I'm sending a big thank you to Lori at All That Splatters for hosting Saturday Blog Showcase this week.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

















43 comments:

  1. How clever is that?? I love this idea! Beautiful, as always, Mari!!

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  2. You have the most creative ideas! I can't get over the simplicity and beauty of this recipe.

    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  3. Sweet, sweet, sweet! Looks so good. Happy Valentine's Day!!

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  4. What a sweet gift this would make to brighten someone's day. Brilliant idea.

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  5. Oh Mari....how SWEET! What a creative presentation!

    I have everything in the house to make these, too, including the jars. (I save my empty ones from my grape-walnut jam)
    Moving THIS ONE to the top of the to-do list right now.
    Thank you soooo much for posting & sharing how you did them. They're adorable!!!

    fondly,
    Rett

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  6. Oh, I love the idea. I think it would also be a great item(s) to put in a gift basket to a friend, neighbor, etc. I am thinking of my mother in assisted living. She couldn't use a whole pie, but a jar pie would be great for her small frig. I am going to do this soon for her.
    Beckie in Brentwood, TN

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  7. How perfectly clever is that!!! I love this presentation, Mari. I have some of these jars and can't wait to surprise my family with these charming little pies.

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  8. Oh what a great idea! I am definitely going to try this. My mom will love this too.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Happy Valentine's Day

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  9. These are possitively precious!! I am going to make these very soon :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  10. So adorable. I would never be able to eat them though. I would have to take them all over town showing everyone.

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  11. Argh, I love it! So super cute!!

    Katie xox

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  12. Oh Mari! LOVE this idea!!! My heads already spinning as to what other occasions this would be nice for! Thanks, and hope you're enjoying a very Happy Valentine's Day!! ~tina

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  13. Mary they are as cute as can be..Too cute for any words..I will try these:) In W-S I saw little pocket pie makers..they remind me of these..(Not as cute theirs are of course..:) )..

    But I think next time I might try them..

    Tour De Force Mary..!

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  14. OMG, these are the cutest things ever! Perfect for V-Day!

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  15. Mari, what a unique idea for a dessert presentation. I always like to do individual desserts for my guest and this is brilliant!

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  16. These are too freaking cute! I love this idea.

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  17. wow I love the idea and I think it would look so great at a country bbq the whole jar look and i like the little ribbon around the jar...thanks for sharing...when I make cherry pie someone told me to try cherry pie filling in a can (real red color of cherries) and a can of canned dark cherries in just juice (very dark cherries a tiny tart) drain these dark cherries and add to the red cherries wow it turned out the best sweet and tart and two colors of red, so pretty...come for a visit....Phyllis

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  18. Happy Valentine's Day, Mari! They are adorable! A most novel way of eating pie. :)

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  19. Mary, how cute are they. I hope you don't mind, but I'm definitely going to be stealing your idea.

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  20. That is amazingly clever. I wish I saw it before valentines. Hmmm our anniversary is coming up. Maybe I'll do some for my husband for our special day.

    Too cute.

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  21. MAri they are adorable and what a clever Idea!!! gorgeous fotos!

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  22. What a clever idea! I cannot wait until I have to bring dessert to one of our groups. This will definitely be a conversation maker.
    Thanks so much for sharing!\
    Jane (Artfully Graced)

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  23. Perfect, portable, personal pies!!

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  24. Mmmmmmmmm pie is my favorite food group - this looks so tasty !
    Kammy

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  25. These are absolutely adorable! I like the small hearts, too. Beautifully presented.

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  26. These are really beautiful and I'm sure they also taste wonderful. Wouldn't it be fun to be served these for dessert.

    Sue

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  27. Wow, what a great idea. Reminds me of a cobbler type dessert. Can't wait to try it out.

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  28. What a cute and clever idea! I am going ti try to come up with one for St. Patty's day now! Thanks for the inspiration!!!!

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  29. this is a great idea...
    I love your blog and your recipes and beautiful photos.

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  30. Oh my! What could be cuter than this!? Love every little bit of this post all the way down to the sprinkle of sugar.

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  31. Mari, This is just beautiful. I love the look and the "feel" of this special little treat! I'll make this recipe. I would love to take these on a picnic!
    Yvonne

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  32. This is on my to do list too! They are adorable!

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  33. Such a clever idea. Now it's on my to do list.
    Mimi

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  34. Those are adorable! I've never seen them anywhere! What a super idea for anytime, not just Valentines. I've always loved individual desserts too.

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  35. Mary, you are once again, just brilliant. This is one of the most charming desserts I've ever seen! A friend and I were on your site and when we saw these our jaws dropped. I can't wait to make them. Cherry and hearts are 2 of my favorite things! Thank you, thank you!!

    Diane

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  36. Hi Mari....what a wonderful idea these are...perfect for a ladies lunch or tea...Or a picnic dessert.....I love it!...Now where do I find these cute little jars? And do they come with the lids?

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  37. Those are the cutest things ever! :-) I love the idea and can't wait for a reason to try it myself. :-)

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  38. These are just the cutest ever!

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Thank you for your comments, friends ~ they make my day!

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