Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup marzipan, grated
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- 3-inch round cookie cutter
- Mini pig cookie cutter
- Pastry brush
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
4. In a separate bowl, mix grated marzipan, sugar, egg, and almond extract until well combined.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough.
6. Place the circles of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the edges of each circle with water.
7. Use a mini pig cookie cutter to cut out pig shapes from the remaining dough. Place a pig shape on top of each circle of dough and press the edges to seal.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let the piggy pies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 piggy pies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 190
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 25mg
Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond extract can be substituted with vanilla extract.
- Marzipan can be substituted with almond paste.
Variations:
- Add a drop of pink food coloring to the marzipan mixture to give the piggy pies a pink tint.
- Use different cookie cutters to make different shapes of pies.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is chilled before mixing it with the flour to ensure a flaky crust.
- Don't overwork the dough, or the crust will become tough.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the water on the edges of the dough circles.
- Grate the marzipan to make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
Storage instructions:
Store the piggy pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the piggy pies in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the piggy pies on a platter and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or tea.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped almonds or chocolate shavings on top of the powdered sugar for added texture and flavor.
Pairings:
Pair the piggy pies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the piggy pies as a dessert after a meal of roasted pork tenderloin and green beans.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a little more flour.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food. Store the piggy pies in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Marzipan is a sweet almond paste that originated in the Middle East and was brought to Europe by the Moors. It was often used to make decorative shapes for special occasions.
Flavor profiles:
The piggy pies have a sweet, nutty flavor from the marzipan and a flaky, buttery crust.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the piggy pies as a fun and whimsical dessert for a children's party or a holiday gathering.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Almond, Almond-Flavored