The Lord of the Rings - Hobbit Sized Pork Pies

"And pork-pie and salad" said Bombur.

Bombur had it right! These hobbit sized pork pies is a great addition to any dinner. We went with mushy peas and mash, but they would be fantastic with a salad!

Hobbit Sized Pork Pies

What you need:

• 1 TB cornstarch

• 1 ¼ C chicken broth

• 2 lbs ground pork

• 3 TB minced garlic

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/8 tsp cayenne

• ¼ tsp fresh thyme

• 4 sheets refrigerated pie crust

• 1 large egg

• 2 tsp milk

What you do:

1. In a small saucepan, mix cornstarch and broth until blended. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat.

2. Add pork, garlic, salt, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, cayenne, and thyme to a large skillet or pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until pork is no longer pink. Drain if needed.

3. Add broth and cornstarch mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

4. Unroll each pie crust. Roll each into a 12 inch circle. Using floured round cookie cutters, cut 20 4 inch circles and 20 2 ¾ inch circles.

5. Place the large circles in an ungreased muffin pan, pressing crusts on bottoms and up the sides.

6. Fill each cup with 3 TB of the pork mixture. Cover each with the small circles, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.

7. Whisk the egg and milk in a small bowl. Brush over tops of pies. Using a small paring knife, cut slits on the tops.

8. Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until pies are golden brown. Carefully place on wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm!