Pie Pops

From the frozen treats we look forward to during the hot days of summer to all-day suckers, hot dogs, and even cake, everything tastes better on a stick. So why not pie? Pie Pops are just that, mini pies on a stick that will appeal to both young and old alike. With simple recipes and ingredients that include sweet and savory fillings, people of all ages will appreciate this simple, portable way to enjoy traditional American classics such as: Apple, Razzleberry, Lemon Meringue, Chocoholic, and more. Easy-as-pie!

Basic Pie Dough

~ Makes 1 9-inch crust ~

1 1/4 cups flour

Dash salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter cut into 1 inch cubes

3/4 tablespoons ice cold water

Add flour, salt, sugar, and butter to bowl of food processor. Using the chopping blade pulse 5.6 times, or until mixture becomes crumbly and course. Do not over pulse. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time pulsing mixture after each addition until dough starts to slightly stick together but is still a little crumbly. Remember, too much water will make the dough too hard to work. You should be able to see small pieces of butter in the dough.

Remove the dough to a lightly floured surface. Mold mixture into a round disk, wrap in plastic, and place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set and chill. After dough has had time to chill, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Roll dough out onto a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin that has been lightly dusted with flour. Roll out to 1/ 8-inch thickness.

Powdered Sugar Icing

~ Makes 1 cup ~

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon milk

In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together until icing reaches a drizzle consistency.

Variations:

Add 1.2 drops food coloring of choice to make a colored icing.

Add 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate icing.

Substitute 1 tablespoon orange or lemon juice in place of milk.

Substitute 1 .4 teaspoon maple extract in place of vanilla.

Substitute 1 .4 teaspoon almond extract in place of vanilla.