These mini apple pies are perfect for a Halloween party or an autumn afternoon.

Ingredients (makes 6 medium pies)

Pie dough
-1 cup butter (2 sticks)
-2 cups flour
-1 tsp salt
-about 8 T water

Apple pie filling
-1/4 cup sugar
-1/4 cup brown sugar
-1/8 cup flour
-1 T cinnamon
-1/2 t nutmeg
-2 apples

Whipped cream
-1 cup heavy cream
-1 T sugar

Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

Pie dough
-1 cup butter (2 sticks)
-2 cups flour
-1 tsp salt
-about 8 T water

Mix the flour and salt. Cut in the butter to the flour mixture (using either a pastry blender or two knives) until the butter is in small pea-size pieces. If using two knives, hold them crossed and use a pulling motion to cut the butter into the mixture. Once mixed, add a tablespoon of water at a time until a dough forms. Knead the dough a few times and form into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Apple pie filling
-1/4 cup sugar
-1/4 cup brown sugar
-1/8 cup flour
-1 T cinnamon
-1/2 t nutmeg
-2 apples

Autumn is the best time of year for apples. Pick your own from the orchard, grab some from the farmer's market, or buy a few from your local store.

Peel the apples and dice them into small pieces. Mix with the sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Cut the Dough and Assemble the Pies

Decide what Halloween figures you would like to make. You can use cookie cutters or make your own shapes. I searched medium-sized Halloween cartoons and chose a ghost and a pumpkin. If you are not using cookie cutters, trace the image onto a thick piece of paper and cut out the figures.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roll out the cooled dough on a lightly floured surface to about an 1/8 inch thickness. Place the figure on the dough. Use a small knife to cut out the figure. Place the dough piece on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Add the apple filling. Cut out the same figure for the top piece. On this piece, cut out the eyes and mouth. Place on top of the filled piece and pinch to close. Using a fork, crimp the ends to close completely.

Repeat these steps for the remaining pieces (about six). If the dough becomes too soft, put in the freezer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Bake Pie and Make Whipped Cream

After making the pies, bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown.

Whipped cream
-1 cup heavy cream
-1 T sugar

While the pies are baking, make some fresh whipped cream. Beat together sugar and heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Keep refrigerated until pies are ready.

Enjoy it with your delicious pies!