It is hard to describe how we were all feeling in Sydney this morning after the emotional scenes in our city over the past couple of days. After awaking yesterday to a gorgeous Sydney day, events of the day quickly took a chilling turn at 10am as we heard of hostages being held at gunpoint in the city centre by a politically motivated individual. It was hard not to get caught up in speculations being made through media outlets and the many vocal individuals weighing in on social media perpetuating misinformation. I deal in facts, and many weren’t known until today.
You can read all about the events in the news, so I’m not going to write about that here. I’m only writing this to say that love will always be stronger than hate. Love doesn’t deal in fear mongering and terror, or exacting revenge on those uninvolved in any wrong doing. Australia is a free and loving nation, with most of us welcoming to all individuals. And so, our love goes out to the hostages that got out safe and sound, our love goes to the hostages and police that are recovering in hospital, our love and thoughts go out to the hostages who are no longer with us – you will be remembered, and our love goes out to their families.
This very tasty and easy recipe was made and photographed a few weeks ago using gorgeous summer produce sent to me by Sydney Markets, but for some reason, there was always another recipe that had to be posted before this one. I can think of no better time to post it than now. So, I’ve changed its name from the planned “Cherry Berry Hand Pies”, to “Cherry Berry Love Pies” to remind us that we should love, be kind to, and help those around us as much as we can.
Cherry Berry Hand Pies
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries
- 3 large strawberries (or 6 regular berries)
- 1/4 cup caster sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- Juice of a half lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- 650g puff pastry (I use Careme brand)
- 1 egg
Directions
Preheat the oven to 200° Celsius and take the puff pastry out of the freezer, setting it aside to thaw.
Remove and discard the pips from the cherries, cut them in half and place in a small mixing bowl. Add hulled and quartered strawberries along with the caster sugar, cornflower, lemon and vanilla bean paste and stir till the caster sugar has dissolved.
Take a large cookie cutter (I used a love heart shape) and cut as many pastry shapes out of the pastry as you can. Lay half of them on baking trays and top each with a tablespoon full of the cherry and berry mixture being sure to include as little juice as possible (don't worry we will use this later).
Top with the remaining pastry shapes and taking a fork, press the tines down around each shape to secure the two pieces of pastry together. Cut a cross into the top of each pie with a sharp knife and using a small spoon, try and fill each pie with as much of the cherry berry juice as possible pouring it through the cross.
Beat the egg in a small ramekin with a fork and brush the top of each pie with egg. Place in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the pastry is puffed, crisp
and golden. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Chew Town was not paid to develop this recipe, but was gifted the fresh Summer produce from Sydney Markets, with thanks. If you would like to learn more about Sydney Markets and the produce on offer visit the website. To read Chew Town’s disclosure policy please visit the About page.
Gorgeous looking pies. Difficult to beat Oz summer berries. I love the name too. Best wishes!! 🙂
Recent Post: Notes #5: These are a few of my favourite blogs
Well done Amanda, the post writing especially, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by a troubled mind. These are simply beautifully named and photographed! LOVE always wins! 🙂
Recent Post: Marbled Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
Thinking of you all the way from Missouri. Love does always win. It seems from afar that the city has banded together to prove that. Love these pies, thanks for sharing.
Recent Post: Cherry Pecan Fried Goat Cheese Poppers
What an awful experience that was. Love does rule, though, doesn’t it? Fun photos, lovely looking recipe. Thanks.
Recent Post: Cream of Mushroom Soup
Dear Amanda,
I love puff pastry but have always baked savoury treats. These pies look absolutely divine.
Last week’s events were so very harrowing but it’s been inspiring to see Sydneysiders unite. These love pies would definitely help the healing process 🙂
Recent Post: Diner en Blanc Sydney 2014
I can’t believe how Sydneysiders came together after the tragic events last week but it was incredible. Hopefully we keep banding together (maybe using delicious berry pies like yours to spread the love!) 🙂
Happy Holidays
Choc Chip Uru
Recent Post: Frazzled
The events in Sydney were a reminder that #1 we should tell those we love that we love them and do it often and #2 Folks in Sydney and across Australia are a remarkable people.
I love your hand pies and perfect for the season. Happy New Year!
Recent Post: Immersion Blender or Regular Blender – Which Is Better?
Will be bookmarking these for Valentines’ Day, not too far away!
Recent Post: Merry Christmas
Just stumbled across your blog… all your food and photos are just amazing! I’m an Australian-based food blogger too – would love for you to pop by my blog and say hello!
Love, love, LOVE THESE! Perfect for V-Day coming up 🙂
Recent Post: Soy-glazed Black Pepper Chicken