CHICKEN OR TURKEY POTPIES

Ingredients :

PIECRUST
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup frozen sweet butter, cut in small chunks
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
7 to 8 tbsp. ice water

FILLING
2 medium onions, diced
4 celery stalks, diced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
2 cups frozen baby peas
2 1/2 cups carrots, peeled, chopped and cooked (about
4 carrots)
2 medium potatoes, peeled, cubed and cooked
4 cups diced cooked chicken, or turkey
5 tbsp. sweet butter
5 tbsp. all-purpose flour
4 1/2 cups chicken, vegetable or turkey stock
1/2 tsp. pepper
Salt to taste
1 egg, lightly beaten

Preparation :

TO MAKE THE PIECRUST:

In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, pulse the flour, salt, butter and vegetable shortening until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Sprinkle with the ice water and pulse until the dough starts to come together, being careful not to let the dough form a ball. Remove the dough and press it into two disks. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you make the filling.

TO MAKE THE FILLING:

In a large saucepan, sauté the onions and celery in the olive oil over medium heat until soft. Add all the vegetables, and the chicken or turkey, and set aside. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the stock until the sauce is smooth. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the pepper and salt. Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables. Then pour the mixture into 10 individual ovenproof bowls or two 9-inch pie pans.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Roll out the piecrust on a lightly floured surface. Cover the 10 (or two) pies with the dough. Use a cookie cutter to cut bunnies out of scraps of piecrust. Lightly brush the egg onto the piecrusts and place a bunny on top. Bake for 20 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is browned and the filling bubbles. It's a good idea to place a cookie sheet below the pies to catch any drips. Makes 10 to 12 servings.