How to bake Halloween Ham and Egg Pie Monster

Halloween Ham and Eggs Pie Monster

Ham and egg have been paired up forever and this great friendship works well in this easy and good looking pie. As a mum of three lovely boys I love to make memorable treats with a simple twist. Sometimes a little difference takes your previously ordinary meal to extraordinary. If there is a time for entertaining or throwing a spooky Halloween party this recipe is a very easy to incorporate into your menu. This pie variation  turns your usual ham and egg pie into a scary but still lovely pumpkin monster. They say we eat with our eyes. So why not to make this simple pastry a bit more desirable and decorate it? This method is easier than most traditional pie recipes. You will have more time to enjoy the party. Baking a pie pumpkin monster is fun, so sleeves up and get ready to bake your Halloween ham and egg pie monster!

For the pastry

400g short crust or puff pastry
1 egg for glazing with egg wash

For the filler

250g sliced ham
6 or 8 medium sized eggs
100 ml of double cream
pinch of salt and black pepper

Serves 6 little monsters. Total time required 50 minutes. Preparation time 30 minutes. Cooking time 35 minutes

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F/Gas 6). Divide your pastry in two. Roll out both pieces on a floured hard surface to fit the size of your pie pan. Then use one half of the pastry to line the baking pie pan. It is important that the pastry fits neatly into the corners. Spread out the slices of ham evenly over the bottom of the pastry shell. Break the 6-8 eggs into the shell. Place them in an even way and make sure that the yolks remain in one piece. Pour over the double cream and season well with salt and black pepper. Damp the edges of the short crust or puff pastry shell with a small amount of water. Cover with the spare piece of pastry to create a lid. Cut away the excess, and stick the ends of your pastry together with your fingers to seal.
Now comes the fun part

Do not start cutting your pie free-style. Plan on cutting out a mouth, nose and eyes. Draw the desired pattern on a piece of paper first. Use it as a stencil. When done place the paper onto your cake and trace the shape of the monster face you have created with a sharp pointed tool so the paper can be removed. Slightly poke holes following the silhouette of your design. When done, use a sharp knife to cut out your design. Cover your Egg and Ham Pie with a layer of the egg wash, and bake in the oven for half our until the top is golden brown. Put aside to cool for a while before slicing. You can serve your masterpiece warm or cold with iceberg salad.