Karjalan Piirakka (Karelian Pie) With Egg Butter

Step 1

For the Filling:.

Step 2

In a saucepan combine the water and rice. Bring to a boil.

Step 3

Stir, cover, and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Add the milk, cover, and continue cooking until the milk is completely absorbed and the rice is soft and creamy.

Step 5

Preheat oven to 450°F

Step 6

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7

For the Pastry:

Step 8

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the water, salt, and rye and white flours to make a stiff dough.

Step 9

Shape the dough into a log and cut into 16 portions and shape each into a round.

Step 10

On a lightly floured board, roll out each round into a 6-inch circle.

Step 11

Spread about 3 tablespoons of filling evenly on each round.

Step 12

Fold two opposite edges of the pastry over the filling and crimp the edges of the dough toward the center to make an oval-shaped pastry, allowing about 1/2-inch of the crust to overlay the filling and leaving the center of the filling exposed.

Step 13

Place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 14

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and hot milk and brush on the pastries.

Step 15

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, brushing once during baking, until the pastries are golden on the edges.

Step 16

Remove from the oven and brush again.

Step 17

For the Egg Butter:.

Step 18

In a small bowl, cream the butter. Stir in the eggs.

Step 19

Season with the white pepper and ground ginger, if desired.

Step 20

Yield: 1 cup.

Step 21

Cool the pastries and serve with the egg butter at room temperature.