Mini Toffee Apple Pies

Fall weather comes late to the Carolinas; at least to an Ohio transplant who associates fall with Labor Day. It is the middle of October and I am still wearing shorts and sandals. In the higher elevations, a 90 minute drive from Charlotte, there are wonderful apple orchards. On a recent unexpectedly crisp Sunday afternoon, my sister Joy and I drove to Hendersonville so she could finally pick the elusive Arkansas Black apples she was craving. Nestled in the mountains was an orchard stretching for acres and acres with dozens of varieties. We fortified ourselves with a fresh apple donut, fetched our 1/2 bushel baskets and set out on our quest for Arkansas Blacks; map in hand. Joy found her apples and filled her basket. I decided on three varieties and added Golden Delicious for my dad and Pink Lady because a sample tasted so delicious. Of course I made an apple pie, but developed this recipe as a handheld dessert for my brother's 50th birthday party. It's a scrumptious little pie. The apples are sweetened with brown sugar, and toffee bits are a wonderful addition.

Mini Toffee Apple Pies      Yield:  Approximately 12-15


Ingredients:
Double pie crust recipe or refrigerated double pie crust/softened
2 medium-sized tart apples such as Granny Smith; peeled, cored and chopped
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup toffee bits
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon salt

Place chopped apples in 10" skillet on medium heat.  Cook until slightly soft, approximately 5-7 minutes. While apples are cooking, combine remaining ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Add cooked apples and mix until combined.

Roll 1/2 of dough or one prepared crust on floured board.  Using 4" round cutter, cut circles and place on baking sheet covered in Silpat or foil. Repeat with remaining dough and place on second  baking sheet. Using approximately one teaspoon of filling, place on 1/2 half of dough toward the center. Fold dough in half and crimp with fork.

Bake in oven at 400 degrees F for the first 6 minutes and reduce heat to 350 degrees F for 6 more minutes or until golden brown.

Mini Toffee Apple Pies