Springtime Ham Broccoli & Cheese Pies

Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 45 min
Skill Level: Intermediate
Serves: 6
Classification: Dessert

Ingredients:
2 TENDERFLAKE® Frozen Deep Dish Pie Shells
3 tbsp (45 mL) Frozen broccoli florets, thawed, drained and chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) Chopped smoked ham
2 tbsp (30 mL) Spreadable cream cheese
¼ cup (50 mL) Shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tsp (10 mL) Finely chopped green onion (optional)
1 tbsp (15 mL) Milk

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 400°F (200°C).

REMOVE pie shells from freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature for 10 – 15 minutes.

COMBINE broccoli, ham, cream cheese, Cheddar, and green onions, if desired, in a medium bowl. Set aside.

REMOVE pie shells from foil onto a clean, flat, lightly floured work surface. If cracks appear in pastry, press together and repair using fingers moistened with water.

CUT out six egg shapes from each pie shell using a (2-3/4-inch x 4-inch/ 7 cm x 10 cm) oval (egg shaped) cookie cutter. Set any leftover dough aside.

DIVIDE filling mixture evenly between 6 cut outs, mounding in centre and leaving a ¼-inch (5 mm) border. Top each pastry with remaining cut outs. Gently press edges together, and crimp with a fork.

BRUSH tops lightly with milk and bake for 12-15 minutes or until pastry is golden.

FOR decorating ideas see the Tips below.

Tips: Substitute broccoli with 3 frozen asparagus spears, thawed and chopped.
If dough gets too warm while preparing pies, refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before baking.
Use any leftover dough to cut out shapes to decorate top. Brush back with milk or egg wash to affix to pie and bake as directed above.