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