Rum Raisin Mini Apple Pie Bites

Directions

1. In a food processor, pulse the cold butter into the flour until it is coarsely mixed in. (You may also do this by hand with a pastry blender or forks). With your hands, quickly mix in the cold milk until the dough coheres into a ball. Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
2. In a small saucepan, gently bring the rum to a low boil. Add the raisins, remove from heat, cover and allow to stand for 30 minutes.
3. Heat oven to 400 F.
4. Roll out the dough and use a biscuit cutter (or other round cutter or a wide-mouth drinking glass) to make circles about 3 inches in diameter. Lightly butter muffin tins and line the cups with these small circles. This should fill 18-24 muffin cups depending on size. Cut lattice strips (about 6 for each pie) from the remaining scraps of dough.
5. Peel and core the apples. Chop into a small dice, of about 1/2” cube (the exact size is not that important, just know that this isn't the time for big slices of apple). Toss with juice from the lemon.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and nutmeg, Make sure you eliminate any lumps. Toss the apple cubes, lemon zest and raisins (and any liquid left in the pot) in this mixture.
7. Fill each muffin cup with about 1/4 cup of the apple mixture. Top with strips of dough to form a lattice. The weaving of the lattice strips doesn't need to be perfect; the miniature size is very forgiving!
8. Brush tops with egg yolk and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Wait at least 20 minutes before serving. They're great warm, but equally delicious at room temperature.