🥧🌙 Amish Half Moon Pies, also known as Preaching Pies, are a delightful and traditional Amish dessert that combines the best of a hand-held pie and a turnover. These pies are typically filled with a sweet and fruity filling, encased in a tender, flaky crust, and have a distinctive half-moon shape. They are a beloved treat in Amish communities and beyond.
📜 History:
The history of Amish Half Moon Pies traces back to the Amish communities in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio. These communities are known for their emphasis on simple living and traditional, homemade recipes. Half Moon Pies have been a staple in Amish kitchens for generations, often served at community gatherings and special occasions.
🥧 Components:
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Pie Crust: The crust is made from basic ingredients like flour, butter or lard, salt, and water. It should be tender and flaky.
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Filling: The filling can vary, but it’s typically made with fruits like apples, peaches, cherries, or even pumpkin for a seasonal twist. Sugar, spices, and sometimes a thickening agent like cornstarch are added to enhance the flavor and texture.
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Toppings: Some recipes call for a sweet glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar on top to add an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare Amish Half Moon Pies:
Here’s a simplified recipe to make these delicious pies:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4-5 tablespoons ice-cold water
- Fruit filling (e.g., apple or cherry)
- Sugar and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) to taste
- Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping
Instructions:
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Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Prepare the Filling:
- Peel and slice your chosen fruit, then mix it with sugar and spices to taste. You can adjust the sweetness and spices according to your preference.
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Assemble the Pies:
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter to make circles from the dough.
- Place a spoonful of fruit filling on one half of each circle, leaving enough space at the edges.
- Fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the pies are golden brown.
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Optional Topping:
- Once the pies are cool, you can drizzle them with a glaze or dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
⏱️ Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Amish Half Moon Pies can vary, but it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish, including chilling the dough and baking.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Amish treats, whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring them on your own. 🥧🌙😋
🥧 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Amish Half Moon Pies:
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Portion Size: Nutrition facts can vary based on the size of the pie and specific ingredients used.
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Calories: Approximately 200-300 calories per serving (one half-moon pie).
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Fat: The crust, often made with butter or lard, can contribute to a higher fat content. Each pie may contain around 10-15 grams of fat.
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Carbohydrates: Mainly from the pie crust and fruit filling, expect 30-40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
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Sugar: The sugar content depends on the type and amount of sugar used in the filling. Typically, each pie contains 15-20 grams of sugar or more.
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Fiber: Minimal fiber content, primarily from the fruit filling.
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Protein: These pies are not a significant source of protein, with approximately 2-3 grams per serving.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The fruit filling may provide some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C from fruits like apples or cherries.
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Health Considerations:
- Amish Half Moon Pies are a delicious but indulgent treat, often high in calories, sugar, and fat.
- They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Consider using healthier crust alternatives, such as whole wheat pastry or reducing sugar content in the filling for a more health-conscious option.
- If dietary restrictions or health concerns are a factor, it’s advisable to adjust the recipe accordingly to meet your specific needs.
Remember that specific nutrition facts may vary depending on the recipe and individual ingredients used. If you’re looking for precise nutritional information, it’s best to calculate it based on your specific recipe and serving sizes.
