Palmabella's Passions

Dough:

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 t. salt
1 cup cold, unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
1/4 cup plus 2 T. ice water
1/2 c. grated cheddar

In a food processor, combine the flour, cheddar and salt. Work in the butter. Then drizzle in the ice water until the dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for a couple of hours.

Filling:

1 lb. bulk Italian sausage
1/2 of a large onion, minced
1 apple, cored, peeled and cubed
1 cup grated cheddar

Saute sausage and onion. Drain. Combine with apple and cheddar.

Roll out rounds of dough cut with a biscuit cutter. Fill circles of pastry with filling and top with another circle of dough. Seal edges with a fork. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Lower temperature to 350 and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Makes 8-9 hand pies.