The Passionate Sisters: Mini Apple Pies

Pies - I never knew what they were until a few years ago, while I googled about them when I came across the term in a novel. Even after seeing Tom and Jerry throwing it on each other's faces for as long as I can remember, I never knew about them ( I just thought that Tom and Jerry are throwing some creamy stuff on each other faces :) ). Ever since I learnt about them I couldn't wait to try them. Mainly I wanted to try chocolate pie, They looked rustic, decadent and cute too. And as usual anything with chocolate can never go wrong, right?
I never thought of making Apple Pies. Personally I don't like apple much (actually its little less than hate..) But then when I googled about pies, I saw lot of posts on apple pies. Everybody were gloating about it so much. I couldn't understand at all. Surely they were looking delicious, but why such a big fuss ?! ( they don't even have chocolate in it was my crazy thought :) ) Anyway I decided to give it a go ( I was so curious..) and here are the results..

Who would have thought I would post the apple pies first instead of chocolate? Forgive me for I too am going to gloat about it!!!!!
Yes!!
They were awesome as promised. Even I loved the filling. The pastry was so tender and flaky. The apple filling was moist, juicy and caramel flavored with a slight trace of cinnamon. The cinnamon was not overpowering at all. Your home will swim in the warm apple and cinnamon aroma!!!!

INGREDIENTS:
Recipe reference : here
For the crust:
All Purpose flour ( maida ) - 1 cup
Butter - 5 tbsp ( 71 g, cold and cubed )
Water - 2 to 3 tbsp ( ice cold )
Salt - 1/2 tsp ( or to taste)
Sugar - 2 tsp
For the filling:
Apple - 1 ( big )
Sugar - 2 tbsp
Brown sugar - 2 tbsp
Cinnamon - a pinch
Flour - 1 tbsp
Nutmeg - a pinch
Lemon juice - 1/4 tsp
Optional:
Milk - 2 tbsp ( for brushing on top )
Sugar - 1 tbsp ( for sprinkling )

METHOD:
1) Whisk the flour, salt and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes. Rub the butter with flour using your fingertips ( you can even use a fork ) till the mixture resembles bread crumbs ( little pea sized butter pieces are ok ).

2) Now add ice cold water a little at a time till the mixture comes together. You will be needing only a few tablespoons ( I added 2.5 tbsp). Gather the dough into a ball.

3) Wrap dough in a cling film and let it rest in refrigerator for 1 hour ( minimum 30 minutes). After an an hour, lightly dust the work surface with flour and roll the dough ( not too thin, not too thick). Now cut circles to fit your muffin pan, the circle should be slightly larger than your muffin size ( I just used a bowl )

4) Lightly grease your muffin pan with oil, and arrange the circles gently on it. Don't stretch the dough much. Using a fork prick the base and put the muffin pan in the refrigerator while preparing the filling. Gather the remaining dough and refrigerate.

5) For the filling, finely chop the apples. Mix flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl. Add the chopped apples and lemon juice and mix well.

6) Spoon the filling in the muffin pan. Roll the remaining dough, and cut circles for the top crust ( little smaller than the first batch). Make small slits using a knife to let out the steam.

7) Place the circles on top of filling and gently press the sides to seal. (you can even use milk for sealing). Now Place the prepared muffin pan in fridge for 10 minutes, while preheating the oven to 180 degrees. Finally brush with milk ( optionally you can sprinkle some sugar on top too ) and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or till golden brown.