Appalachian Fried Apple Pies Recipe

"The South is famous for it's pies, and the roster is long and honorable. But perhaps none inspires more nostalgia than a fried apple pie; those handheld half-moons of tender pastry encasing a delicately spiced dried apple or dried peach filling. Although the name implies it, most homemade fried pies are not deep-fried, but rather they're cooked in a cast-iron skillet until they are golden brown. Fried pies have long been popular in the Mountain South, where hearthside baking in a trusty iron skillet was perfected in the days before ovens were common in most homes. NOTE: Time does not include resting time. Much of the cooking time is inactive time."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Place apples in a medium saucepan and add water to cover. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes or until apples are soft.

Step 2

Remove from heat and let stand, uncovered, for 1 hour. Drain off any standing liquid. Mash apples coarsely with a fork or pastry blender. Again, drain off any standing liquid. The filling should be very thick.

Step 3

Stir in butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cover and chill.

Step 4

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Work in the shortening with a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture is crumbly.

Step 5

Sprinkle milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, evenly over surface; stir with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened.

Step 6

Divide the pastry into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and cut each into a 6-inch round. (A saucer makes a nice guide.)

Step 7

Spoon one-sixth of the apple filling on half of each round. Moisten edge of pastry, fold dough over apple filling, press edges to seal. Crimp edges with a fork.

Step 8

Pour oil to a depth of 1/2 inch into a large, heavy skillet, preferably cast iron. Heat over medium-high heat. Then, working in batches, fry the pies 3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown, turning once. Drain well on paper towels.