Christmas Pie

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g)
• 2 sticks + 2 tablespoons cold butter (250g)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (8g)
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons cold water (150ml)
• 2 medium chicken breasts (620g)
• 1 small onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Shredded chicken (from boiled chicken)
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed bouillon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (reserved from boiling the chicken)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- To Make the Dough: ---

2. 2

   Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

3. 3

   Cut the butter into small cubes then add and rub it into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter.

4. 4

   Make a well in the center and pour in the cold water.

5. 5

   Mix gently until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.

6. 6

   Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disc.

7. 7

   Wrap in plastic wrap or place in a ziplock bag.

8. 8

   Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

9. 9

   --- To Make the Filling: ---

10. 10

    Add the chicken, onion, salt, chicken seasoning, and water to a pot.

11. 11

    Cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.

12. 12

    Remove the chicken and shred it into small pieces. Set aside and reserve the broth for later.

13. 13

    Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

14. 14

    Sauté the chopped onion, minced ginger, and garlic until fragrant.

15. 15

    Add the shredded chicken and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.

16. 16

    Add the shredded cabbage, carrot, crushed bouillon, and salt. Stir to combine.

17. 17

    Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat.

18. 18

    Add the reserved chicken broth and water, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

19. 19

    Add paprika for color and adjust the seasoning if needed.

20. 20

    Cover and simmer on low heat for 7 minutes on low heat.

21. 21

    Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling the pie.

22. 22

    --- To Assemble the Pie: ---

23. 23

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (190°C).

24. 24

    Roll out one piece of dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

25. 25

    Using a knife, carefully cut the dough into the shape of the tree. Transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking tray.

26. 26

    Roll out the second dough disc and repeat the process to create the top layer of the pie.

27. 27

    Brush the edges of the pie dough with egg wash.

28. 28

    Spread the cooled filling evenly over the base, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

29. 29

    Place the second tree-shaped dough over the filling.

30. 30

    Press the edges to seal the pie, then crimp with a fork for a light seal

31. 31

    Use the leftover dough to cut out a tree trunk, stars, or any decorations you like. Attach them to the pie using egg wash.

32. 32

    Brush the entire pie with egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.

33. 33

    Use a fork to poke small vents into the dough to allow steam to escape while baking.

34. 34

    --- To Bake the Pie: ---

35. 35

    Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

36. 36

    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly to allow the filling to settle.