Fried Apple Hand Pies
These fried apple hand pies, with a delightful hint of nutmeg in the crust, are a delicious treat that reminds many of grandma’s kitchen. The tender apples, flavored with cinnamon and sugar, nestled inside a flaky pie crust, create a comforting taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
Pie Dough Ingredients
- 4 c. Flour
- 1 T. Sugar
- 2 tsp. Salt
- 1/2 tsp. M-K Ground Nutmeg
- 1 1/2 c. Shortening
- 1 T. Vinegar
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 c. Cold Water
Filling Ingredients
- 8 c. Apple Slices
- 1 1/2 c. Sugar
- 2 T. Cornstarch
- 2 T. Margarine
- 2 tsp. M-K Ground Cinnamon
- 1 dash Salt
Pie Dough Directions
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and M-K Ground Nutmeg.
- Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the vinegar and cold water, mixing until combined.
- Gradually pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly until smooth.
- Roll out the dough and use a round cutter or a bowl to cut into 6-inch circles. Set aside.
Pie Filling Directions
- In a large saucepan, combine apple slices, sugar, cornstarch, margarine, M-K Ground Cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are transparent and the mixture has thickened slightly.
Assembly and Frying Directions
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle.
- Moisten the edges of the crust with water using your fingertip or a pastry brush.
- Fold the dough over the apple filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal them tightly. You can use the tines of a fork to create a decorative edge.
- Heat oil in a deep-frying pan to 375°.
- Carefully place a few hand pies into the hot oil, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip to cook the other side.
- Remove the pies from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve: Enjoy these fried apple hand pies warm. They can be dusted with powdered sugar or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Serving suggestion: These pies are best consumed the day they are made to enjoy the crisp crust. They can also be reheated in the oven to bring back some of the crispiness if stored.
