CHICKEN POT PIE

Using leftover cooked chicken cuts the preparation time in this flavorful pot pie.

45 minutes preparation, 1 hour chilling, 25-30 minutes baking

Makes 6 servings

PASTRY
1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chilled butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg
2-3 tablespoons ice water

FILLING
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup dry white wine or water
1-1/2 cups whipping cream
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth

GLAZE
1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 To prepare pastry, in a medium bowl, mix together flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut butter into flour until coarse crumbs form.
2 In a small bowl, beat together egg and water. Add to the flour mixture; mix lightly until a soft dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
3 To prepare the filling, place chicken in a 2-quart casserole.
4 In large skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add mushrooms; increase the heat to medium- high; and saute until browned and the liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. Add the wine, cook until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add mushroom mixture to chicken; stir to combine.
5 In a medium saucepan, whisk together cream, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper, over low heat;cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in broth. Pour sauce over chicken mixture.
6 Preheat oven to 400 F.
7 On a lightly floured surface, using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the pastry to fit the top of the casserole. Place on top of pie; trim and seal the edges.
8 Rollout trimmings. Cut out leaves and flowers. Brush pastry with glaze; add the decorations; brush again with glaze.
9 Bake until filling is bubbly and crust is browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.

Baking Tips
If using fresh rather than leftover or delicatessen
chicken, you will need meat from a 3-1/2-pound fryer.