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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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June 29, 2013

Easy 4th of July Dessert ~ Patriotic Hand Pies

4th_of_July_hand_pies www.atthepicketfence.com

I love to embarrass my children.

I think it’s just a parent’s prerogative, don’t you? After the public tempter tantrums, being vomited on, diaper explosions while on an airplane, begging for them to go #2 in the potty, having them tell your neighbors that you are adding lattice to the deck so that you can get some privacy from said neighbors and all of the other mortifying things they have said/done in front of other people, it’s about time that we get to mortify them. Can I get an amen?

One of my favorite ways to do this is to sing very loudly…sometimes opera style…at home…in the car…occasionally in a store. Or dance…like a lunatic. And this is one of my MOST favorite times of the year to do this because I always feel particularly patriotic. So when you least expect it I will belt out “God Bless America” or “They’re Coming to America” or “The Star Spangled Banner” or my personal favorite, James Brown’s “Living in America”.

Oh, they just LOVE it! 😉

making hand pies

But, I try to make it up to them by keeping the supply of summertime treats flowing and never is that more true than on the 4th of July.

This year I’m making hand pies. Because you have to have one hand free to wave around a sparkler, right?

Now, stay with me here ’cause it’s gonna get tricky while I show you how to make these.

First, you go to the grocery store and buy refrigerated pie crusts and a can of your pie filing of choice. Got that part?

Then you roll out your pie crust and cut out circles using the only thing you can think of which will probably end up being a salad plate. Is it getting too complicated yet? 😉

apple pie filling for hand pies

Then you put a glob of the pie filling the middle of your salad plate cut out pie crust. Not too much glob though, mind you? You don’t want that glob leaking out of your hand pie.

apple hand pies

Fold the crust in half and crimp the edges. Don’t forget to brush a nice egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) over the top for that perfect golden color. Bake the pies at 375 for 12-15 minutes.

Then, just for kicks, you could cut star shapes out of the extra pie crust to decorate the top of your hand pies.

star pie crust cut outs

I thought it would be fun to make an American flag too. I’ll let you be the judge as to how successful that little moment of creative “genius” was.

hand pie with flag cut out www.atthepicketfence.com

We told the kids that if they ate the American flag they would have to sing “The Star Spangled Banner”.

Of course, they didn’t want to do it.

So, I had to do it instead.

Loudly…with conviction…and a little fake vibrato. I might have also been holding my hand over my heart while I sang. And closing my eyes…and swaying back and forth a bit.

They just LOVE it when I do that! 😉

patriotic hand pies from atthepicketfence.com

The 4th of July is truly one of my most favorite days of the year. Not just because we get to spend it with amazing friends, eat awesome food and sit in lawn chairs watching things ‘blow up’ in the street.

Those things are great but that’s not really why it is one of my most favorite days.

I love this day because of how it makes me feel inside. It’s such a unifying day. American flags are waving from homes all up and down our street. We hang out on our front porches or driveways or sidewalks and get to know our neighbors a bit better. This day makes me stop and think about all of the sacrifices which were made by the men and women who founded this country.

And now…oh boy…I feel another song coming on…wait…I need to go grab my kids!

“And, I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land. God bless the USA!”

I’m not embarrassing you, am I? 😉

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30 Comments Filed Under: Desserts, Fourth of July, Good Ideas, Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: 4th of July, 4th of July recipes, desserts, pie, recipes, summer recipes

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Comments

  1. Michele/Finch Rest says

    June 29, 2013 at 5:36 AM

    Those pies look awesome – and especially wonderful photography/styling.

    I love trouble-free foods, and this is a great idea. Thank you!

    And no, you didn’t embarrass yourself. I love your patriotism! : – )

    Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  2. Marty Walden says

    June 29, 2013 at 6:25 AM

    Great job, Vanessa! You had explosive airplane diapers, too? My hubby actually got that one!

    Reply
  3. Janet Drury says

    June 29, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    I read your post out loud to my daughter. We laughed and laughed. It was so heartwarming. I pinned it to my Fourth of July board so that I can read it every year on the holiday. Keep on singing out loud. By the way, in the Yankee Doodle song, when he stuck a feather in his hat and they called him macaroni–a macaroni in those days was a dapper dresser. I always tell first graders this. They love knowing the secret.

    Reply
  4. Judy Clark says

    June 29, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    I csn hear you singing from here!

    Happy Fourth of July!

    Judy

    Reply
  5. Angela says

    June 29, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    I was singing right along with ya!!! Have a fabulous fourth and enjoy your pies! They look yummy and easy (a definite plus in my book)!! I’m gonna try em! Thanks, Vanessa!!~~Angela

    Reply
  6. Leslie says

    June 29, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    Oh I love these! Your design infringe is super cute. Yum!

    Reply
  7. Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says

    June 29, 2013 at 11:22 AM

    Loved the smiles and giggles I got from this post. Oh and the recipe too 😉 Thanks for a great duo Vanessa!!

    Reply
  8. Debbie says

    June 29, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    Oh honey… I’ll bet I can out-embarrass you with one arm tied behind my back and a sore throat. I’m what you call a professional child embarrasser. I’ve been at it for almost a quarter of a century.

    You know you have reached the level of master when knowing the correct words to said songs becomes totally optional.

    On a serious note: Loving the pie idea. The anthem is just gravy on the taters.

    Reply
  9. Deborah Wilkins says

    June 29, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    Thanks for this great post! We must be twins, separated at birth! I do the same things with my twin boys – from their birth to the ripe old age of 26! They laugh along with me as I sing and dance. I, too, love the Fourth of July – not only because I am a patriotic American – but because it is my birthday!

    Enjoy the fireworks!

    Reply
  10. Leena Lanteigne says

    June 29, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    Amen! It is our constitutional right to embarrass out children and grandchildren where ever and whenever possible! This includes use of speech, song, dance and the dreaded childhood photos! LOL! Of course, if you are going to be running around singing and dancing, you will be required to yourself and post said performances on your blog like Jen does over at Four Marrs and One Venus! Wait, y’all could get together and put on a show! I really like this recipe and think I’ll make some for our 4th. My little grandson loves apple pies, like the ones you get at McD’s that you can hold in your hand. Perfect. He’ll even enjoy cutting out the stars to put on top! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful holiday! Hugs, Leena

    Reply
  11. Jackie Adams says

    June 29, 2013 at 2:19 PM

    Mmmm…I want one! They look yummy. Have a blessed Fourth ladies!!!

    Reply
  12. Leslie Harris aka Gwen Moss says

    June 29, 2013 at 2:49 PM

    Vanessa, what a great idea to use the store bought crust. And I agree with you about the sentiments of this day. It’s does make me feel all warm and proud inside. Thanks for the post, great styling.

    Reply
  13. Document says

    June 29, 2013 at 5:16 PM

    Usually I would not learn post on blogs and forums, however I wish to say that that write-up pretty urged me you need to do therefore! The writing style continues to be amazed myself. Thanks a lot, really good document.

    Reply
  14. Sue {munchkin munchies} says

    June 29, 2013 at 6:17 PM

    Oh, you made me laugh, and I love your hand pies!

    Reply
  15. Marsha says

    June 29, 2013 at 8:52 PM

    Amen! Yes. I love to have fun and yes, it does embarrass my daughter sometimes. How can you embarrass someone when we are to only two people in the house??? That makes no sense. But she says I embarrass her. You and my husband are cut from the same piece of cloth…..singing, dancing… goofy voices….. The pies look de-lish and yes, are perfect when you’re holding a sparkler in the other hand. Happy Fourth!

    Reply
  16. Angelina-JoJo and Eloise says

    June 29, 2013 at 9:55 PM

    OKAY!!! We totally need an IG video of this… Because I seriously just can’t picture you doing this.. You seem so reserved and poised. LOL!!! Now onto these hand pies, these are what you call, “Pretty Yummy” wish I could have a bite 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      June 29, 2013 at 10:01 PM

      Reserved and poised??? LOL!!! I just put up a good front my friend! 😉

      Reply
  17. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    June 30, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    Oh WOW! These are so so adorable! I think I’ll make these for my family who are coming home for the 4th and weekend! They will love them!!!!
    I can always come to the Picket Fence and be inspired!

    Reply
  18. Website says

    July 1, 2013 at 12:19 AM

    Thank you for various other wonderful article. The site otherwise may any person have that type of details in their normal excellent approach to crafting? I have a demonstration following full week, for within the search for such information.

    Reply
  19. Liz @ Quirky Vistas says

    July 1, 2013 at 5:46 AM

    Bravo! on the pies and on the singing! Love your recollections about the reason your kids need paybacks. Ha! You crack me up.
    Liz

    Reply
  20. Valeria De Seemann says

    July 4, 2013 at 6:39 AM

    Hi, I just found this blog from Tip Junkie, and I suscribed immediately (that much I liked it!)

    In Chile, we call “empanada” those hand pies, and yours look delicious!!!

    Have a great 4th of July, girls 🙂

    Reply
  21. Janice says

    July 2, 2014 at 1:47 PM

    Oh my gosh, you are hysterical! Thanks for the laugh, oh and the pie recipe! Seems simple enough! Lol!

    Reply
  22. martina says

    May 22, 2015 at 5:32 AM

    Well said my friend…you get a very loud Amen from me 🙂
    Those pies look yummy!

    Reply
    • Cindy says

      May 22, 2015 at 9:01 AM

      Hilarious and sooo true! Great post Really enjoyed this one! God bless us everyone!

      Reply
  23. Botanic Bleu says

    May 22, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    No, you did not embarrass me… hard to embarrass a retired school teacher. Love the pies and their decorations. I’m inspired to make some of my own AND to sing while I’m doing it. Happy patriotic holidays all summer…. Memorial Day, 4th of July, Bastille Day (for French lovers), and Labor Day.

    Judith

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Pinterest Filled 4th of July | Sweet Tea, Sunshine & Serendipity says:
    July 12, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    […] I saw these hand pies and decided since one of Jesse’s favorite guilty pleasures is those Little Debbie […]

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  2. 4th of July Dessert Ideas - Tasty Food Snacks says:
    May 8, 2014 at 2:37 AM

    […] is the perfect way to celebrate America’s Independence! Try these cute 4th of July Desserts, CLICK HERE for the […]

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  3. 7 4th of July Dessert Recipes - TodaysMama says:
    June 16, 2014 at 2:00 AM

    […] Patriotic Hand Pies from At The Picket Fence […]

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  4. Patriotic and Delicious 4th of July Desserts! - Baby Gizmo Blog says:
    June 20, 2014 at 12:23 AM

    […] Patriotic Hand Pies From A Picket Fence.  How cute are these pocket pies?! Fill them with cherries and blueberries to keep the 4th of July colors going. […]

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  5. Patriotic and Delicious 4th of July Desserts! - Baby Gizmo says:
    August 30, 2014 at 3:41 PM

    […] Patriotic Hand Pies From A Picket Fence.  How cute are these pocket pies?! Fill them with cherries and blueberries to keep the 4th of July colors going. […]

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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