Chicken Cordon Bleu Hand Pies (or Hot Pockets)

The other day we made a big ol' ham that resulted in a lot of leftovers.  So far, we've had sandwiches and eggs benedict with the leftovers.  And then this morning, my hubby says,  "can we make chicken cordon bleu with the ham . . .but like a hot pocket?"  Sure, what the heck . .sounds rather delish!  And if you don't want to make homemade pie crust - you could surely use store bought.  Although, this particular pie crust was super yummy and very easy to work with when rolling out.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Hot Pockets

Makes 8 Hand Pies

Crust

2 Cups Flour

1/4 Cup Cornmeal

1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil

4 Teaspoons Baking Powder

2 Teaspoons Sugar

2 Teaspoon Onion Powder

2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon Salt

1 Cup Water

Filling

3 Cups Chicken, Cooked and Chopped

1 Cup Ham, Cooked and Chopped

1 Cup Swiss Cheese, Shredded

1 Cup Milk

3 Tablespoons Flour

3 Tablespoons Butter

1 Teaspoon Nature's Seasoning

1/4 Teaspoon Tarragon (optional)

1 Tablespoon Mustard

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

Tops of Pies

1 Egg

1 Tablespoon Water or Milk

Paprika

To Prepare the Filling:

Step 1:  In a large bowl, combine the chicken and ham.  Set aside.

Step 2:  In a small sauce pan over low heat, add the butter and melt.  Once melted, stir in the flour until well combined.  Next, add in the mustard and lemon juice and stir until well combined.  You should have a smooth paste.  Now, add in the milk a little bit at a time (I pour about a 1/4 cup at a time) and stir until smooth.  Repeat with the milk until it is all combined.  Then, add in the Nature's Seasoning and tarragon.  Stir to combine.  Raise the heat and bring to a boil, constantly stirring.  It will begin to thicken and you will want it the consistency of gravy.  Once thickened, remove the stove and pour over the meat.   Mix well so all the meat is coated.

Step 3:  Add the cheese to the meat mixture.  Mix thoroughly.  Set aside.

For the Crusts:

Step 1:  Grease 2 large cookie sheets and set aside.

Step 2:  In a large bowl, combine all of the crust ingredients except for the water.  Mix together until it looks like a course meal.  Now, you will add in teh water a little bit at a time.  DO NOT ADD IN ALL THE WATER AT ONCE.  When working with dough, you always want to add in the liquid in small amounts and mix in between additions.  Many times, you may not use all the water.  The goal is have the dough comes together in a ball - but not too sticky, not too try.  I used about a 3/4 cup water total.  You want the dough to be wet enough to stick together and not be crumbly.

Step 3:  Sprinkle some flour on your work surface and take your dough out of the bowl.  The easiest way to portion it out so that you have enough for 8 pieces, is to cut in half (now you have two pieces).  Put half back in the bowl and out of your way.  With the remaining dough on your work surface, cut in half again and in half again - you should have four equal pieces.

Step 4:  Set three of those pieces aside and dust the remaining piece with a little flour.  Also, dust your rolling pin with a little flour too.  Now, roll out the dough into  a thin circle.  It does not need to be perfect.  

Step 5:  On the bottom half of the circle, place about 1/2 cup of the filling on top of the crust.  Fold the top half of the crust down over the filling and pinch the edges together.  A fork works very well to pinch the edges.  Carefully, pick up the hand pie and place on the greased cookie sheet.  

Step 6:  Repeat the above steps regarding the crust until you have assembled 8 hand pies.  

To Bake:

Step 1:  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Step 2:  Poke each pie with a fork to vent.

Step 3:  Make a simple egg-wash by cracking 1 egg into a small bowl and beat.  Add in 1 tablespoon of milk or water and beat until well combined.  Brush each hand pie with the egg-wash.  Sprinkle each hand pie with paprika.

Step 4:  Place the pies into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.