Fried Apple or Peach Pies (Print version)

Crispy Southern fried hand pies filled with warm spiced apples or peaches, wrapped in flaky biscuit crust and fried until golden.

# Ingredients:

For the dough

01 - 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/4 cup (50 g) cold shortening
05 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk

For the filling

06 - 2 1/2 cups (about 350 g) peeled and diced apples or peaches
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

For frying and finishing

12 - About 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable oil for frying
13 - Powdered sugar or simple glaze for dusting

# Instructions:

01 - Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced fruit, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 2 more minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Transfer to a plate and let cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold shortening with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8-10 times. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
03 - Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-5 inch round cutter to cut circles. Re-roll scraps once and cut again. You should get about 8 circles.
04 - Place a heaping tablespoon of cooled filling onto one half of each dough circle. Moisten the edge with water, fold the dough over to form a half-moon, and press the edges with a floured fork to seal tightly.
05 - Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees F. Fry the pies in batches of 2-3, turning once, for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
06 - Dust the warm pies with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served the same day for maximum crispness.
02 - Filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.

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