Pie Recipe #17 - Cherry Chocolate Pie Pops

Pie on a stick! That about sums up today's pie. No fork is needed; no plate to clean after indulging. How much simpler could it be? (maybe if someone else made them for you). Different fruit fillings can be used-I had leftover cherry pie filling from last week's pie, so I just added some mini chocolate chips to the mixture for the cherry and chocolate combo. Ingredients: 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust(or make your own), pie filling of choice, mini chocolate chips (optional), sanding sugar or sprinkles, 1 egg, divided, 9-12 lollipop sticks. Instructions: Divide egg into 2 small bowls; set aside. Cut any big chunks of fruit in the filling into smaller pieces. Preheat oven to 425 degrees; cover 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pie crust. Using a 3-inch cutter dipped in flour, cut out as many circles as possible. Re-roll dough and continue cutting until an even number of circles remain. Place 6 rounds on a prepared baking sheet allowing room for the lollipop sticks. Place a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) of filling in center of each circle (you will have leftover filling). Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of the filling, if desired. Lay a lollipop stick in the center of the round reaching almost to the top (leave about 1/2 inch)and press lightly. Brush around the outside of the circle with the egg yolk then place another round on top matching edges. With the tines of a fork dipped in flour, press around the edges, sealing the edges (make sure to get as close to the lollipop stick as possible so stick will hold firmly and pie won't rotate after baking). With a separate pastry brush, brush top round with egg white then sprinkle with sanding sugar or sprinkles (finely chopped nuts would work also). Bake in preheated 425 degree oven about 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow to cool before picking up. If desired, drizzle some melted chocolate over the tops. *Alternative: Rather than brushing with egg white and topping with sugar, leave plain , then after cooling completely frost with a powdered sugar and milk glaze. "As easy as pie!"