Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful blend of savory and sweet! Our Chicken, Bacon, and Apricot Pies are the perfect fusion of flavors, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and juicy apricots in a flaky pastry crust.
INGREDIENTS
For the Filling:
1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
9 slices smoked bacon, chopped
6 ounces dried apricots, cubed
½ cup yellow onion, chopped
¼ cup fresh thyme leaves
1 ½ teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Pastry:
1 pound hot water crust pastry, still warm
1 large egg, beaten
For the Chicken Stock Jelly (Optional):
⅔ cup unsalted chicken stock
¼ cup cold water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
INSTRUCTIONS
Preparing the Filling
Cube the apricots and chop the onion. Rinse and dry the thyme, then pull off the leaves to measure ¼ cup (6g). Grate the lemon zest and measure the salt and pepper.
Chop the bacon into small pieces and cube the chicken. Keep the meat in separate bowls, cover, and refrigerate.
Shaping the Pies
Line a 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly oil four 6-ounce (177 ml) glass canning jars.
Divide the warm hot water crust pastry into four equal pieces. Set aside small chunks from each for the lids.
Roll one larger piece of pastry into a 6-7 inch circle. Place a jar in the center, and bring the pastry up around its sides. Flatten creases, then gently roll the jar to smooth out the pastry. Avoid making it too thick, ensuring no holes. Repeat for the other jars.
Roll the smaller pieces of pastry into circles slightly larger than the jar mouths. Cut a ½-inch hole in the center of each circle for later adding stock.
Chill the pastry-wrapped jars and lids for 20 minutes. Boil water in a kettle during this time.
Trim excess pastry to make flat tops. Fill each jar with boiling water, gently loosen the pastry with a knife, and remove the jar. Be quick to avoid the pastry softening.
Filling & Crimping the Pies
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Toss the chicken with lemon zest, half the thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix the remaining thyme, salt, and pepper with the bacon.
Layer the filling in each pie as follows: bacon, onion, chicken, apricot, bacon, onion, chicken. Make sure the filling reaches the edges, but don’t overstuff.
Brush the rims with beaten egg and place the pastry lid on top. Pinch edges to seal, then crimp decoratively by pinching with your thumb and index finger, creating a ruffled edge.
Brush the top with beaten egg.
Bake at 400°F for 50 minutes until the pastry is golden and the internal temperature reaches at least 170°F. Let cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. If not using the jelly, serve warm or cold.
Adding the Chicken Stock Jelly (Optional):
Heat chicken stock in a small saucepan until warm.
Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over ¼ cup cold water and mix. Let sit for 5 minutes, then add to the warm stock, stirring until dissolved.
After the pies have cooled for 10 minutes, use a funnel to pour the stock into the hole on top, filling each pie. The filling will absorb the stock, so top off the pies as needed.
Let the pies cool for a couple of hours on the counter, then cover and refrigerate for 8 hours to set the jelly.
Serve cold and slice in half.
NOTES
Keep the hot water crust pastry warm to prevent brittleness. Use a double boiler if necessary.
If the pies are browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.
The jelly adds moisture and flavor, but it’s optional. If used, avoid reheating the pies as it will melt the jelly. Leftover jelly can be chilled and served with the pies.
Leftover filling can be cooked over medium heat with a splash of white cooking wine.
These pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
NUTRITION (PER PIE)
Calories: 617
Carbohydrates: 91g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 97mg
Sodium: 1789mg
Potassium: 1009mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 24g
Vitamin A: 1746IU
Vitamin C: 8mg
Calcium: 72mg
Iron: 6mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary.
THESE ARE 10 BEST OILS FOR CURLING HAIR: THE SECRET FOR LONG-LASTING LOOKS
For anyone with curls, you know the struggle of keeping them defined, bouncy, and frizz-free all day long. The good news is, there’s a secret weapon in your beauty arsenal: hair oil! These amazing elixirs can be the key to unlocking your hair’s full curling potential. Dive into the world of hair oils and discover the 10 best for luscious, long-lasting curls!
Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil is a great option for those seeking to tame frizz and boost curl definition. This silicone-free formula is packed with repairing ceramides that target split ends and reinforce the hair cuticle. It also boasts intense moisture for a healthy shine, without weighing down your curls. A few drops applied to damp or dry hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends, can transform your curls into a smooth, bouncy, and long-lasting style.
MIZANI 25 MIRACLE NOURISHING HAIR OIL
Mizani’s 25 Miracle Nourishing Hair Oil lives up to its name by offering a multitude of benefits in one product. This lightweight, multi-tasking oil is perfect for all hair types, including curly hair. Formulated with a blend of coconut, sunflower seed, and jojoba oils, it deeply moisturizes and softens hair, leaving it manageable and frizz-free. The key here is its lightweight nature. Unlike some heavier oils that can weigh down curls, 25 Miracle Nourishing Hair Oil absorbs quickly, adding shine and definition without sacrificing bounce.
PURA D’OR ORGANIC SWEET ALMOND OIL
Pura D’Or’s Organic Sweet Almond Oil is a versatile and gentle choice for curly hair. This all-natural oil, free from harsh chemicals and additives, is a great option for those with sensitive scalps. Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, it provides lightweight moisture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Sweet almond oil can be used as a pre-styling treatment to tame frizz and boost shine, or as a post-styling refresher to revive curls and add definition. Its gentle nature also makes it perfect for use on dry cuticles and brittle ends, promoting overall hair health and curl manageability.
LIVING PROOF CURL MOISTURIZING SHINE OIL
Living Proof’s Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil stands out for its unique biomimetic approach. This silicone-free formula mimics the natural lipids found in healthy hair. These natural oils work in harmony with your curls, smoothing and hydrating them for a boost of shine and frizz control. The versatility of this oil is another plus. You can apply it before shampooing as a deep treatment, during styling to enhance definition, or even after styling to add a touch of shine and tame flyaways. Living Proof’s Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil caters specifically to wavy, curly, and coily hair textures, making it a great choice for those seeking a curl-enhancing oil that integrates seamlessly with their hair’s natural chemistry.
OGX RENEWING + ARGAN OIL OF MOROCCO
If you’re looking for an affordable and luxurious option for your curls, OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco is a fantastic choice. This popular hair oil is enriched with nourishing Moroccan argan oil, a source of vitamin E and antioxidants. These ingredients work together to strengthen hair, improve elasticity, and combat frizz. OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco absorbs quickly, leaving your curls soft, shiny, and defined without feeling weighed down. Whether you apply it to damp hair before styling to enhance curl formation or use it on dry hair for a touch of frizz control and shine, this oil is a versatile option that can help you achieve your best curls.
PATTERN JOJOBA HAIR & SCALP OIL BLEND
Designed specifically for curly hair textures, PATTERN’s Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend is a lightweight, residue-free dream. This unique formula, created by actress Tracee Ellis Ross, blends jojoba oil with safflower, rosehip, and olive oil for a cocktail of nourishing goodness. The star ingredient, jojoba oil, mimics the scalp’s natural sebum, making it readily absorbed without clogging pores. This translates to deep moisture for your hair and scalp, promoting a healthy environment for curls to thrive. PATTERN’s Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend boasts additional benefits like reducing breakage and itchiness, perfect for those with low-porosity hair or a dry scalp. A few drops massaged into the scalp or smoothed through damp or dry hair can unlock your hair’s full curl potential, leaving it defined, bouncy, and beautifully hydrated.
SHEAMOISTURE 100% PURE ARGAN OIL
SheaMoisture’s 100% Pure Argan Oil offers a simple yet powerful solution for curly hair. This multi-tasking oil, derived from the Moroccan argan tree, is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E. These powerhouse ingredients work together to deeply nourish and soften dry, brittle curls. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, avoiding the greasy residue that can weigh down your curls. SheaMoisture’s 100% Pure Argan Oil is a versatile product that can be used on both hair and skin. Apply a few drops to damp hair to enhance curl definition and add shine, or smooth it over dry hair to tame frizz and flyaways. You can even use it on your skin for a boost of hydration and a youthful glow.
AUSSIE MIRACLE CURLS CURL-DEFINING OIL
Aussie Miracle Curls Curl-Defining Oil is a budget-friendly option that packs a punch. Infused with coconut and Australian jojoba oil, this paraben-free formula promises to quench your curls’ thirst for moisture. The key ingredients work in tandem: coconut oil provides deep conditioning and shine, while jojoba oil mimics the scalp’s natural sebum, ensuring lightweight absorption that won’t weigh down your curls. Aussie Miracle Curls Curl-Defining Oil claims to instantly absorb and seal the hair cuticle, locking in hydration to combat frizz and promote long-lasting definition. Apply a few drops to damp or dry hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends, to transform your curls into a smooth, bouncy, and manageable style.
KÉRASTASE ELIXIR ULTIME HYDRATING HAIR OIL SERUM
Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum is a luxurious option for those seeking a multi-benefit curl treatment. This blend of precious oils, including argan, camellia, and marula, nourishes and hydrates all hair types, with a special focus on taming frizz and boosting shine. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, avoiding greasy buildup that can weigh down curls. Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum offers versatility in application. You can use it on damp hair before styling to enhance curl formation and manageability, or apply it to dry hair to smooth frizz and add a touch of luminous shine. This oil prioritizes hair health alongside curl definition, making it a great choice for those seeking a product that nourishes while promoting beautiful, long-lasting curls.
OUIDAD MONGONGO CURL TREATMENT OIL
Ouidad’s Mongongo Curl Treatment Oil is a curl-loving formula designed to address multiple concerns. This fast-absorbing oil, derived from the Mongongo nut native to Africa, is rich in essential fatty acids that provide deep nourishment and strengthen hair strands. It forms a protective barrier on the hair’s surface, locking in moisture to prevent frizz and damage from heat styling or UV rays. The result? Soft, shiny, and defined curls with long-lasting bounce. Whether you apply it to damp hair before styling to enhance curl formation or use it on dry hair for a touch of frizz control, Ouidad’s Mongongo Curl Treatment Oil can be a valuable tool in your quest for healthy, beautiful curls.
HOW HAIR OILS WORK
While all oils soften and nourish hair (they’re emollients!), they don’t directly add moisture. Think of them as sealing agents. They lock in moisture provided by conditioners, leave-in products, and creams that contain water and humectants. These hydrating products are key! Oils then create a protective barrier on the hair shaft, preventing that moisture from evaporating and keeping your curls frizz-free and defined for longer.
Here’s the takeaway: for the best results, use a conditioner or leave-in with hydrating ingredients first, then follow up with a hair oil to lock it all in. This combo will give your curls the moisture they crave and the definition you desire.
3 TYPES OF HAIR OIL
PENETRATING OILS
Penetrating oils are designed to sleep deeply into the hair shaft, nourishing it from the inside out. These oils typically have smaller molecular structures that allow them to pass through the hair’s cuticle layer. Examples include coconut oil, sunflower oil, and babassu oil. These oils are particularly effective for providing deep hydration, strengthening the hair, and preventing protein loss. They are ideal for use in pre-wash treatments and deep conditioning routines.
PENETRATING AND SEALING OILS
Some oils have the dual capability of both penetrating the hair shaft and sealing the cuticle. These versatile oils include castor oil, olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, argan oil, apricot kernel oil, and macadamia oil. They offer the best of both worlds: deep hydration and a protective barrier. These oils can enhance shine, improve elasticity, and lock in moisture, making them suitable for a variety of hair care applications, from leave-in conditioners to styling products.
SEALING OILS
Sealing oils are primarily used to coat the hair’s surface, creating a barrier that locks in moisture and protects the hair from environmental damage. These oils usually have larger molecular structures that prevent them from being absorbed deeply into the hair shaft. Examples include rice bran oil and jojoba oil. Sealing oils are excellent for smoothing the hair, reducing frizz, and adding a glossy finish. They are particularly beneficial when applied to the ends of the hair to prevent split ends and breakage.
WHICH OIL IS BEST FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE?
Choosing the best oil for your hair type depends on your specific needs and hair characteristics. Here’s a guide to help you select the right one:
FINE OR OILY HAIR
For fine or oily hair types, lightweight oils are best to avoid weighing down the hair or making it look greasy. Grapeseed oil and sweet almond oil are excellent choices as they are light and easily absorbed, providing moisture and shine without excess heaviness. These oils can help balance oil production and add a subtle sheen to your locks.
DRY OR DAMAGED HAIR
Dry or damaged hair benefits from heavier, more nourishing oils that can provide intense hydration and repair. Coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil are rich in fatty acids and vitamins that help to strengthen and moisturize the hair. These oils penetrate deeply, making them perfect for deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and elasticity to brittle hair.
CURLY OR COARSE HAIR
Curly or coarse hair types often require thicker oils to maintain moisture and manageability. Castor oil and argan oil are ideal for these hair types as they offer deep hydration and help to define curls while reducing frizz. These oils also provide a protective barrier that locks in moisture, keeping your curls soft and bouncy.
COLOR-TREATED OR CHEMICALLY PROCESSED HAIR
For hair that has been color-treated or chemically processed, it’s essential to use oils that can help repair damage and maintain color vibrancy. Argan oil and apricot kernel oil are excellent options as they are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help to strengthen and protect hair. These oils nourish the hair while helping to prolong the life of your color and adding a healthy shine.
NORMAL HAIR
If you have normal hair that doesn’t fall into any specific category, versatile oils like jojoba oil and macadamia oil are great all-rounders. Jojoba oil closely mimics the natural oils produced by your scalp, making it excellent for maintaining balanced moisture levels. Macadamia oil is also lightweight and nourishing, providing a nice balance of hydration and shine without being overly heavy.
CONCLUSION
Taming frizz, defining those gorgeous spirals, and achieving long-lasting hold – that’s the dream for anyone with curls. The good news is, hair oils are your secret weapon! With the right oil for your hair’s unique needs, you can unlock your hair’s full curling potential. From budget-friendly options to luxurious blends, there’s an oil out there waiting to transform your curls into a masterpiece of definition, shine, and bounce. So, ditch the frizz and embrace your curls with the power of hair oil!
