The Apples are Coming!

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Many varieties of apples are starting to show up at Farmer’s Markets and grocery stores.  We are fortunate to have a beautiful orchard nearby where you can pick your own.  There are endless recipes using apples, but for today, here is one that kids love – fried apple pies!  They are shaped like turnovers, with a baking powder dough that resembles doughnuts more than pie crust.

Fried Apple Pies

Baking Powder Pastry (recipe follows)
3 cups sliced, cored, and pared tart apples
2 Tablespoons water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups solid Crisco shortening (for frying)
Powdered sugar

1.  Make baking powder pastry.
2.  Heat apples and water, covered, in a medium saucepan to boiling, then reduce heat to low.  Simmer, covered, until apples soften slightly, about 5 minutes; remove cover; cook, stirring constantly until liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes.  Stir in granulated sugar and butter.  Cook, uncovered for 3 minutes; stir in cinnamon.  Mash mixture with a fork to form a chunky puree.  Refrigerate, covered, until cold, about 1 hour.
3.  Roll one half of dough 1/8-inch thick on floured surface.  Cut out six 4-to-5-inch circles with floured cutter.  Spread about 1 Tablespoon apple mixture over half of each circle, leaving a 3/4-inch border.  Lightly brush borders with a little water.  Fold in half; pinch edges lightly with fingers; seal edges with a fork.  (Do not pierce dough).  Turn pies over and press seams with fork.  Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
4.  Heat shortening in large skillet to 375 degrees.  Fry pies, 4 at a time, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes.  Drain on paper toweling.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm. 

Baking Powder Pastry:
2 cups all purpose flour
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk
1 egg

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in medium mixing bowl.  Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Beat milk and egg in small bowl until mixed; gradually stir into flour mixture with fork until dough just cleans side of bowl.  Knead lightly to form soft dough, about 1 minute.  Divide dough in half; wrap in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate. 

2 Responses to The Apples are Coming!

  1. September 24, 2011 at 6:35 am #

    Thanks for posting that recipe. I remember my mom making fried apple pies. Fresh apples in the fall, home canned apples the rest of the year. I loved them. Unfortunately, it’s a recipe she never wrote down. This one looks a lot like hers. Apples are in season here, too, and I have a trip to the orchard planned for this afternoon. Can’t wait to try this recipe.

  2. September 24, 2011 at 8:35 am #

    Can’t wait to hear what you think of them!

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