Vegetable Hand Pies with a side of White Cream Sauce

 

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and of course, a feast that leaves everyone feeling full and content. But what happens when disaster strikes in the kitchen? It was a Thanksgiving I won't soon forget when our turkey, the centerpiece of our meal, turned out dry and overcooked. Panic set in as we faced the prospect of a Thanksgiving dinner gone wrong. That's when a simple recipe for Vegetable Hand Pies came to the rescue and saved our Thanksgiving.

The Thanksgiving Dilemma

Thanksgiving morning started like any other, with the aroma of roasting turkey filling the air. As the hours passed, anticipation grew, but when it was time to carve the turkey, we were met with disappointment. The turkey was dry, and our family's tradition of a succulent, juicy bird seemed like a distant memory. We needed a miracle to salvage this Thanksgiving.

The Unexpected Hero: Vegetable Hand Pies

In a moment of desperation, I remembered a recipe for Vegetable Hand Pies I had come across recently. We decided to give it a try. With a quick trip to the kitchen and some ingredients we had on hand, we embarked on a culinary adventure that would become our Thanksgiving savior.

Creating the Hand Pies

We swiftly chopped up a medley of colorful vegetables, sautéed them with fragrant garlic and onions, and seasoned them to perfection. The filling was a delightful mix of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans, all bound together by a flavorful white cream sauce. The aroma of these savory ingredients cooking filled the kitchen, momentarily diverting our attention from the turkey disaster.

As we assembled the hand pies with care, the dough turned a lovely golden brown, hinting at the deliciousness that awaited us. The process was surprisingly easy and therapeutic, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos in the kitchen.

A Thanksgiving Miracle

When the Vegetable Hand Pies emerged from the oven, perfectly golden and fragrant, we knew we had stumbled upon something incredible. These hand pies were not just delicious, but they were also a symbol of resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.

The Perfect Pairing: White Cream Sauce

To complement our Vegetable Hand Pies, we whipped up a quick and creamy white sauce. It was the ideal partner for our savory pies, adding an extra layer of richness and flavor. The sauce was made from scratch, and it was the finishing touch that elevated our meal from a mere salvage operation to a Thanksgiving triumph.

A Thanksgiving to Remember

As we gathered around the table and served our Vegetable Hand Pies with the side of White Cream Sauce, a sense of relief washed over us. What could have been a Thanksgiving disaster had transformed into a Thanksgiving to remember. The hand pies were not just a delicious alternative; they had become the star of our dinner.

In the end, Thanksgiving isn't just about the food on the table; it's about the memories we create and the moments we share with loved ones. This year, our Thanksgiving was saved by the simple act of trying something new, being resourceful, and coming together as a family to salvage a challenging situation. Our Vegetable Hand Pies were more than just a meal; they were a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

So, the next time you find yourself facing a Thanksgiving disaster, remember that a little creativity and a delicious recipe can turn things around. Our Vegetable Hand Pies not only saved our Thanksgiving but also taught us the importance of flexibility and making the most of any situation. After all, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for the good and the bad, and this year, we're grateful for the unexpected hero that saved our Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients for Vegetable Hand Pies:

• 1 package of pre-made pie crust dough (or make your own)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans), diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Ingredients for White Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

For the Vegetable Hand Pies:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they become translucent.

3. Add the diced vegetables and dried thyme to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for another minute.

5. Gradually add the vegetable broth while stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, mix in the grated cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

6. Roll out the pie crust dough and cut it into circles or squares, depending on your preference and the size of hand pies you want.

7. Place a spoonful of the vegetable mixture onto one half of each dough piece. Fold the other half over the filling to create a pocket and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

8. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

9. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

For the White Cream Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

2. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Cook the mixture until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil.

3. Reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it's fully incorporated.

Serve your Vegetable Hand Pies with a side of White Cream Sauce, and enjoy!