The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to add a touch of Greek tradition to your Christmas table than with a batch of delicious Pites Me Milo – Apple Filled Pastries? These delightful pastries are a staple in Greek households during the festive season, offering a perfect combination of sweet, flaky pastry and a warm apple filling that will delight your taste buds and fill your home with the aroma of cinnamon and spices.
**Title: Pites Me Milo – Apple Filled Pastries**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/3 cup cold water
– 4-5 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
– In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the flour-butter mixture and gently mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Make the Apple Filling:**
– In a saucepan, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the mixture is thick. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. **Assemble the Pastries:**
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a thin sheet. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough.
– Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-circle and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet.
4. **Bake the Pastries:**
– Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once the pastries are baked and cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. These Pites Me Milo – Apple Filled Pastries are best enjoyed warm with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
While the process of making these Pites Me Milo pastries may take a bit of time, the result is well worth the effort. Your friends and family will be impressed by these delightful treats that blend the flavors of Christmas with a touch of Greek hospitality. We hope this recipe brings warmth and cheer to your holiday season. Happy baking!
