Fried Fruit Pies
These little fried pies are a true comfort food, wonderful hot or cold, easily eaten on the go, and versatile with your favorite fillings.
These little fried pies are a true comfort food, wonderful hot or cold, easily eaten on the go, and versatile with your favorite fillings.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3/4 cup crisco or 3/4 cup other good vegetable shor
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (preferably white vinegar)
- 3 cups dried fruit (apricots peaches, apples)
- Carbohydrate 23.2695510017755 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.307417569830684 g
- Fiber 0.882534737522963 g
- Protein 3.09580521227138 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0493756945057649 g
- Serving Size 1 1 pies, 12 serving(s) (78g)
- Sodium 5049.25585415223 mg
- Sugar 22.3870162642525 g
- Trans Fat 0.10155748623853 g
- Calories 111 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender, fork, or hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir together the beaten egg with the water and sprinkle over the flour mixture.
- Sprinkle in the vinegar, mixing lightly, until ingredients are well combined.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- In a nonreactive pan on very low heat, simmer the dried fruit in water for 30 to 45 minutes, or until very tender. Add water if necessary.
- Allow the fruit to cool; mash slightly.
- Stir in the sugar and spices. This can be done in advance and refrigerated; warm before filling pies.
- Remove the pastry from the refrigerator and cut it into four equal pieces. Cut each piece into three equal pieces (12 dough balls).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a 5- to 6-inch circle.
- Put about 2 generous tablespoons of filling onto one side of each circle.
- Seal the pie by wetting the inside edge of the dough with water and folding over, creating a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges.
- Using a deep fryer set at 350°F, carefully lower the pies into the oil, one at a time. Cook until golden brown (3-4 minutes).
- Drain on paper towels.
My Grandma's Secret to the Perfect Fried Fruit Pie
The aroma of warm, freshly fried fruit pies always takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen. It’s a smell that conjures up images of cozy afternoons spent chatting and laughing, the sound of her gentle humming filling the air, and, of course, the delicious taste of those golden-brown, sweet treats. Grandma wasn’t a professional baker, she was just a regular woman who poured her love into every recipe. And her fried fruit pies? Those were legendary. They weren't just dessert; they were a symbol of comfort, warmth, and family.
I remember watching her carefully work the dough, her hands moving with practiced ease. The process seemed almost magical, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Each pie was a little work of art, perfectly crimped and golden brown, promising a burst of sweet, juicy fruit with every bite. The secret, she’d always say with a twinkle in her eye, wasn't in any fancy ingredient but in the love you put into it. And of course, a little bit of patience. It's that attention to detail, that dedication to the craft, that truly made her pies so special. More than just a recipe, it was a tradition.
Over the years, I’ve perfected my own version of her fried fruit pies, adding a few tweaks here and there to suit my preferences. But the core essence – the love and care that went into it – remains the same. I love the versatility of these pies; you can experiment with different fruit combinations depending on the season. Apricots and peaches in the summer, apples and cranberries in the fall – the possibilities are endless. And they're not just limited to dessert! I've even used them as a unique side dish alongside some savory meals. The crispy, golden-brown crust provides a wonderful textural contrast to richer dishes.
What’s remarkable about these pies is their simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, and the process, while requiring attention to detail, is relatively straightforward. It’s the kind of recipe that allows you to connect with the food on a deeper level. You are not just following instructions; you are creating something special. You’re channeling the spirit of generations past, bringing a little piece of history into your own kitchen. And there's something deeply satisfying about that.
The joy of making these pies extends beyond the eating experience. It's about the process itself: the gentle kneading of the dough, the comforting rhythm of rolling out the circles, the anticipation as they sizzle in the hot oil, and finally, that satisfying crunch as you take your first bite. It's a mindful activity that allows you to slow down, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and simply enjoy the moment. And in today’s fast-paced world, where so much emphasis is put on efficiency, that's something truly precious.
Making these fried fruit pies is more than just baking; it's an act of love, a connection to family history, and a reminder to savor the simple pleasures in life. It's a recipe passed down through generations, a testament to the power of tradition and the enduring appeal of home-cooked food. So gather your ingredients, find your favorite apron, and get ready to embark on this culinary journey. I promise you won't be disappointed. The aroma alone is worth the effort!
Beyond the delicious taste and the comforting memories, making these pies offers a chance to connect with something larger than yourself. It’s a way to honor family traditions, to pass on skills and knowledge, and to build memories that will last a lifetime. Each pie is a small act of love, a tangible representation of care and connection. So gather your friends and family, bake a batch of these pies, and share the joy and warmth they bring. Because sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most meaningful.
And remember, as my grandmother always said, the secret ingredient is love. Add a generous helping, and your fried fruit pies will be truly unforgettable.
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with fillings: Try different combinations of dried fruits, such as cranberries, raisins, blueberries, or cherries. You can also add chopped nuts or spices for extra flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- Make it ahead: The dough and filling can be prepared in advance, making it easier to assemble the pies when you're ready to bake them.
- Freeze for later: Once cooked, the pies can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Serve warm or cold: These pies are delicious either way, so enjoy them as you prefer.
