Ham Pasties

momjan's Note:

A good recipe for savory tarts. Good warm or cold. Can be frozen.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 48 tarts

Pastry

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 lb shortening
• ½-¾ cup cold water
• 1 egg , beaten
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar

FILLING

• 3 cups ham , fully cooked and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons green peppers , finely diced
• 2 tablespoons pimientos or 2 tablespoons celery , finely diced
• 1 tablespoon onion , finely chopped
• 1 (10 ¾ ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup , undiluted

GLAZE

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• poppy seeds or sesame seed

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt and baking powder. Cut in shortening, half at a time, until crumbly. Combine 1/2 cup water, egg and vinegar; add all at once to flour mixture and toss with a fork until dough forms a ball. Add remaining water only if necessary. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for several hours.
2. Meanwhile, combine all filling ingredients. On a lightly floured surface, roll out a fourth of the dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Using a 3-1/2- to 4-in. round cutter, cut dough into circles. Place on ungreased baking sheets.
3. Spread a scant tablespoon of filling on half of each circle. Moisten edge slightly with water and fold over, sealing with the tines of a fork. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
4. In a small bowl, beat egg with water; brush tops of pasties. Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds.
5. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Serve warm or cold.