Fried Apple Pies

Instructions:

Prepare the Pastry Dough:

1. Combine cold water, all-purpose flour, and salt in a mixing bowl.
2. Cut in chilled shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form the dough into small balls and roll each one out into a circle on a floured surface.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
2. Toss the chopped apples with ground cinnamon and white sugar until well coated.

Assemble the Pies:

1. Place a spoonful of the apple filling onto one half of each pastry circle.
2. Fold the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal.

Fry the Pies:

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place the pies into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove the pies from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Allow the fried apple pies to cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• For a healthier alternative, bake the pies in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
• Enhance the flavor by adding nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice to the apple filling.
• Drizzle the fried pies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust instead of making the pastry dough from scratch.
• You can make the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Unfortunately, these fried apple pies are not suitable for a keto or low-carb diet due to the use of all-purpose flour and sugar.
• Yes, you can freeze the fried apple pies once they have cooled completely. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until heated through before serving.

Additional Cooking Notes and Tips:

• Maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) while frying to ensure crispy pies.
• Drain excess oil from the pies on paper towels after frying.
• Fry the pies in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
• Taste the apple filling before assembling the pies and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for all-purpose flour in the pastry dough.
• Replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener in the pastry dough.
• Use thinly sliced zucchini or jicama instead of traditional apples for a low-carb filling.
• Opt for a sugar-free sweetener to sweeten the filling without adding extra carbs.

Indulge in the timeless charm of Fried Apple Pies, whether you’re craving a classic dessert or a keto-friendly alternative. With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy the irresistible flavors of apple pie in a handheld, crispy package. So roll up your sleeves, heat up the oil, and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food experience!

Source: plusdeclics.com