Outback Starry Night Cherry Hand Pies

 

When you gaze up at the starry expanse of the Australian night sky, it's easy to feel inspired. These cherry hand pies are like little constellations you can hold, making them the perfect treat for a magical night by the campfire.

Ingredients:

For the Pies:

• 1 package of ready-to-roll pie crusts (should have two crusts)
• 1 small can of cherry pie filling infused with a splash of Australian muscat or dessert wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup caster sugar (fine white sugar)
• Macadamia nut pieces (optional for a unique Aussie twist)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Cast iron pan
• Paper towels to drain

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Roll out the pie crust and use a water glass to cut out 2-3 inch wide circles. Re-roll any excess pie crust and keep cutting out circles till you've used it all up.
2. Pie Assembly: You have two methods to shape these pies:
1. Moon Pies: Place a heaping tablespoon of the cherry pie filling in the middle of one circle and fold it in half, pressing the edges to seal.
2. Ravioli Pies: Lay down one circle, spoon in your filling, then cover with a second circle. Seal the edges using the tines of a fork. Make sure to press both sides to ensure a leak-proof pie.
3. Aussie Twist: Before sealing the pies, sprinkle a few macadamia nut pieces on the cherry filling.
4. Fry Time: Pour vegetable oil into the cast iron pan till it's about 1-2 inches deep. Heat it over campfire coals (avoid direct flames). The oil is ready when it instantly sizzles as you drop a crumb of pie crust in.
5. Cooking the Pies: Carefully place 1-2 pies in the hot oil. Fry until one side turns golden brown, then flip to brown the other side.
6. Finishing Touch: Once cooked, drain the pies on paper towels. For a sweet crystalline crunch, roll the warm pies in caster sugar.

Outback Tip: Enjoy these warm, ideally under the stars. A dollop of double cream or a scoop of wattleseed ice cream can take this to the next level.

Cheers! Savour the taste of the Australian outback with every bite of these cherry hand pies. Just remember, the best stories are shared around campfires with treats in hand.