Smiley Olive Pie {Cyprus}

We've made Eliopitakia (Cypriot olive pies) at home, but today I made them with a dozen 3rd through 5th graders. And they did an amazing job. Too bad I didn't get to try any! They feasted, then they asked if they could take some home. At the end of the class, there was nothing left for me to try. Must have been good. Thankfully my boys were up to v.2 and we made another one for dinner tonight at home!

Pastry

3/4 C orange juice

3/4 C olive oil
4 C white whole wheat flour

2 1/2 t baking powder

Filling

2 C pitted black olives (avoid olives preserved in vinegar)

1 onion, peeled and sliced

1 C fresh herbs, thinly sliced (we used Italian parsley and rosemary today)
4 T olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In medium bowl, mix all the pastry ingredients and knead to make a soft dough. Let stand while preparing filling.

Caramelize onions. Mix olives and mint to onions and toss with olive oil.

Split dough in half and roll out each to 1/2 inch thick circle.

Spoon the filling onto one of the circles, lay the other circle on top. Press the edges to seal tightly. And pinch together to make a design. One of the kids wanted to cut a smiley face into the top. Perfect!

Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve hot.