Strawberry Hand Pies

Only one hand needed to eat this Strawberry Pie. 

I think that every picnic needs a sweet ending. Some desserts can be a bit messy when packed in the basket. These pies are a neat little package that fits in your hand to eat. Also it can be filled with so many different fillings to fit your tastes. This time I went with strawberries because for some reason I just can't stop baking with them.

 Strawberry Hand Pies

3/4 pound strawberries, chopped
3 Tablespoon sugar
1 refrigerated pie crust (or your fave basic crust)
1 egg, beaten

- Stir together the strawberries with the sugar and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. 
- Roll out the pie crust onto a floured surface. Used a 3" circle cookie cutter, biscuit cutter or mug to cut out 10 circles (or as many as your can fit as an even number). On half of the circles, use a smaller cutter to cut out a shape, or use a knife to cut slits.
- Dip your finger in water and circle around the edge of the pie crust circle with no cuts. Spoon on a tablespoon of the strawberries. Cover with one of the crusts with cuts. Use your finger to seal the edge, by pressing down firmly but not to tear it.
- Brush top lightly with egg. Place on parchment paper or silicone mat. Bake for 15 minutes in preheat 450 degrees F, then lower to 350 degrees F and bake for about 30 more minutes or until tops are golden brown and fillings are bubbly.

Alligator Picnic

Teddy bear picnics are out, Alligator picnics are in! 

CHOMP! When I was little a family friend made these cream cheese and chicken crescent rolls when she would watch us for a day. I made a mouth with one end and would CHOMP other foods with them. They were my alligators. The name stuck and were even put in the church's cookbook as Alligators. Nowadays, I make these every now and then. They are good warm or cold, meaning a perfect picnic food! That is just want I made them for this time. I truly love picnics, but always want something different than a sandwich, simple or upscale. I made these the night before, then threw them in the picnic basket when it was time to get on the road. They are also great finger foods, for other occasions. 

Alligators

Family friend                                                 
2-8oz refrigerated crescent roll packages
1-8oz package cream cheese, softened
1 can drained chicken or turkey
1 Tablespoon chives, dried or fresh
1 teaspoon salt or season salt

- Mix cream cheese, mix in chicken, chives, and salt. Put around 1 Tablespoon of mixture in each laid flat crescent. Roll mixture up covering with crescent.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes of until golden brown.
- Be careful if eating warm, cream cheese gets hot!