Thursday, January 20, 2011

Turkey Pot Pie

Finally got around to cooking a turkey that's been in my freezer since Christmas, making this an official "turkey leftovers" week. I found this recipe, tried it and LOVED it. I even made an extra pie for a friend, and her family loved it too. Don't be intimidated - I threw it together and had it in the oven in less than 30 minutes.

1 (2 pack) Marie Calendar Frozen Pie Crust
1 box long grain and wild rice (I love the Uncle Ben's kind)
3 cups leftover turkey, chopped (could use rotisserie chicken)
1 green pepper, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1-2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 can chopped water chestnuts
1 tsp. chicken bullion OR 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
3/4 c. mayonnaise
1 c. sour cream
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Unwrap pie crusts, remove them from their tins, let rest on counter to thaw for about 20 minutes (they may break a little, but that is o.k.) Get the long grain rice cooking according to the package directions (takes about 25 minutes). While rice simmers, chop the peppers, onions, mushrooms. Heat a skillet and drizzle with olive oil. Saute the peppers, onions and mushrooms in the oil until softened, translucent and a bit carmelized. Dump in the turkey and stir it around, then remove from heat. Drain water chestnuts and stir them in. Next, add the mayo, sour cream and chicken bullion. Stir it all up. Dump in the cooked rice and stir again. Finally, carefully stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

To assemble: Using the two empty pie tins, fill both with equal parts of the turkey mixture. Go back to your thawed pie crusts and carefully dust some flour underneath them, then push them down flat (don't freak out if they crack and break - it's o.k.) Carefully cut off the decorative edges from one pie crust and set them aside (they may be in pieces, again - it's o.k.) Roll out the remaining dough with a rolling pin until it comes together (press cracks together as needed). Cut strips from this dough and place over the pie in a lattice pattern. Once the lattice pieces are on, trim them, then press the pieces with the decorative edge all back around the outside of each pie. Repeat with second pie shell.

Bake at 375 for about 25-30 minutes or until crust is nicely browned.

**EASIER OPTION: Instead of cutting strips and making a lattice pattern, just roll out your dough and cover the entire pie with crust. Cut slits to vent and arrange decorative pieces around the edges for a finishing touch.

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