As promised, I have a a Valentine freebie project for you to make your special someone this week. These little hand pies can be made with your favorite Apple Pie recipe or simply with some store bought pie crust and apple pie filling. (I chose to go the easy route for the sake of time.) *Don't have a favorite recipe? Try this
Cranberry-Ribbon Apple Pie from Epicurious. The cranberries would be a lovely hit of red for the occasion! Just be sure to follow the baking directions that I included, as cooking time will be less with the smaller pies. Below are the instructions for these pies and a printable PDF for the boxes to put them in. Click "Continue reading..." for the instructions and template.

Click
here to download the template and instructions for the Pie Box.

Apple Hand Pie Cooking Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat (a nonstick baking mat).
2. On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a 5-inch cookie cutter, cut out rounds. Transfer rounds to prepared baking sheet.
3. Place about 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling onto one-half of each round. Fold dough over to close. Brush the tops of each pie with egg whites. Using a fork, press edges together to seal shut. Sprinkle tops of pies with sanding sugar.
4. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer pies to a wire rack to cool. Let cool completely before placing in boxes. These can be stored in an airtight container up to 4 days.

I hope you have as much fun making these as I did! I have another Valentine freebie coming tomorrow too so be sure to check back.