Fried Apple Pies

Truth: I am Southern...

I don't have an accent.

I don't own a cowboy hat or a plaid shirt.

I don't say "ya'll" or "fixin' to."

I have never been to a tractor pull.

I refuse to eat the fried intestines of any animal.

But, I am Southern...

I grew up on a 150 acre farm, surrounded by nothing but trees and other farms.  Yes, we do have horses, cows, pigs, chickens, goats, mules, and the like.

I have grown a garden, full of squash, zucchini, melons, beans, okra, tomatoes and corn.

I know how to climb a fence, a gate, and several bales of hay (not at the same time, are you crazy?!?!).

I know what moonshine tastes like, what a skinned rabbit looks like, and what shooting a rifle feels like. So, see, I am Southern...

My Southern roots introduced me to some of the most delectable foods in the world (minus fried intestines).  Nothing says dinner to me like turnip greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread.  Don't forget to wash that down with a big glass of sweet tea, followed by banana pudding.

While I rarely cook Southern food for myself or anyone else (I am sort of a health nut), I have been known to bust out the oil and fry a thing or two... Which is where these beautiful little pies come in.  (Thanks for the suggestion, Boo.)

The dough for fried pies is crisp, yet flaky.  Buttery, but not greasy.  And the apple filling is perfectly spiced with sugar and cinnamon.

They are the epitome of Southern comfort food...

Fried Apple Pies
family recipe
makes ~15 pies

Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 stick softened butter (or 1/2 cup shortening)
1/2 cup milk
vegetable oil for frying

Mix the first four ingredients together until a soft dough forms.  Allow dough to chill in refrigerator for 10 minutes.  Roll out onto floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.


Filling:
2 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup water

Add all 4 ingredients to a medium saucepan.  Allow to simmer for 25 - 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until apples have softened and most of water is gone.

Assembly:
1. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.  Cut into 6-inch diameter circles (I used a wide-mouthed glass).

2. On one side of the circle, spoon apple filling.  Wet inner edges of dough with water, fold empty half of dough over full half.  Using fork, crimp edges of pies.

3. Fry in 350-degree oil, for ~2 minutes each side.  Drain on paper towels.

4. These are delicious warm or cool, with ice cream and plain.  The most important part is that they are delicious...

Ya'll Come Back Now, Ya Hear? =)