Unforgettable Chicken Sausage Pie

In honor of Pi Day I bring you Unforgettable Chicken Sausage Pie. It is kinda funny that I would make a dinner in honor of a day that celebrates mathematics - a subject I hated all through school - but since I don't have to take math classes ever again, why not celebrate!  It is a deliciously hearty meal after a long day working on the farm, or at school, or behind the desk, or doing house work, or shopping, etc.  You get my drift that it is just a good hearty meal for just about any kinda day.  At dinner, my son Todd ate half of the pie all by himself  (although that is pretty typical of a 14 year old boy!)

Unforgettable Chicken Sausage Pie

Crust - note: don't substitute a store bought crust in this recipe.  the crust sets this pie over the top.

2 c. flour

2 tsp oregano

2/3 c. shortening

6-7 Tbsp cold water

Cut shortening into flour & oregano. Stir in water.  Roll out 2/3 of the dough to fit the bottom of a deep dish pie plate.  Roll out the remaining 1/3 of the dough to be used for the top.

1/2 lb pork sausage  (I used HOT flavored sausage , but  use a traditional bulk sausage if you prefer)

2 c. cooked chicken (chopped)

1/4 c. butter

1/3 c. flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1 - 14 oz can of chicken broth

2/3 c. milk

1 - 10 oz package frozen peas

Brown sausage, drain and set aside.

In the same sauce pan melt butter, then stir in flour, salt and pepper.  Add broth and milk. Cook until thick and bubbly. Stir in sausage, chicken and peas.  Pour into unbaked pie crust.  

Place top crust on the pie and flute the edges. Make knife cuts several place on the top crust to allow it to breath while cooking. 

Bake 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden brown.

I am sad that when we sat down to dinner we were all so hungry we dug in before I remembered to take a picture of the pie fresh from the oven.  It was so pretty.

Happy Pi Day!

Chewy Sweet Granola Bars - (Hudson Bay Bread) - Yum!

I ran across this recipe November/December issue of Midwest Living and have been wanting to try it.  With the snow day today it seemed like the perfect snack to make.  Not sure why it is is called Hudson Bay Bread because it is more like a granola bar.  Regardless it is amazingly yummy! The perfect combination of chewy and sweet.

Chewy Sweet Granola Bars

(aka -Hudson Bay Bread)

2 cups butter or margarine, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/3 cup honey

3 Tablespoons cornstarch

3 Tablespoons light corn syrup

10 cups regular rolled oats

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, honey, cornstarch and corn syrup until combined.  Stir in oats. Dough will be crumbly.  Press firmly into a 15x10x1 inch baking pan. (I would recommend pounding with the side of your fist as if pounding rice krispie treats into a pan - kinda messy, but worth it!)  Bake 375 for 22-25 minutes.  Rotate the pan once and cook until the top is light brown and has tiny bubbles across the entire surface.  Do not over bake  Cool and cut into squares.

Next time I might add mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries.

These were so yummy and of course with the amount of oatmeal they contain, they must be good for you, right?!