Recipe: Chicken Pot Pies with Puff Pastry (not Wayside Inn)

Chicken Pot Pies with Puff Pastry Crusts

1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. melted butter
1 cup frozen tiny English peas
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup half & half
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 cups diced cooked chicken
2 (17 1/4 oz.) pkg. frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp. half & half

Saute onion, celery and carrot in butter for 10 minutes.

Stir in peas and flour, cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Gradually add broth and 1 cup half & half; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly. Stir in salt and pepper. Add chicken, stirring well. Ladle chicken mixture into oven-proof bowl(s), filling to within 3/4 inch of rim. Set aside.

Roll pastry sheets to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut pastry 1/2 inch larger than bowl(s). Combine egg yolk and 1 tablespoon half & half. Brush one side of pastry. Place brushed side down over bowl(s), folding edges under and pressing firmly to sides of bowl. Brush top with remaining egg mixture.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until top is puffed and browned.

Yields: 6 servings.