Fried Hand Pies

Fried Hand Pies Recipe with Apples and Cinnamon - Easy and Delicious

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fried hand pies are a delicious and portable treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. These pies are filled with a sweet and flavorful apple filling and fried to crispy perfection. They are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a special treat for a gathering.

History

Hand pies have been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The concept of a portable, handheld pie filled with sweet or savory ingredients has been a favorite among people looking for a convenient and delicious snack. Fried hand pies, in particular, have a crispy exterior that adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the traditional hand pie.

Ingredients

2 cups self-rising flour
0.25 cup shortening
1 cup milk

Filling

4 granny smith apples
0.5 stick unsalted butter
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
0.5 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp powdered sugar

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, shortening, and milk. Mix well.
Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and flatten each one with a rolling pin.
Peel and chop the apples.
In a saucepan, cook the apples, butter, spices, and brown sugar until the apples are tender.
Place a tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of each flattened ball of dough.
Fold the corners of the dough and press the edges with a fork.
Fry the dough in oil until golden brown on each side.
Top with powdered sugar.

Variations

Try using different fruits such as peaches or berries for the filling.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the fried hand pies for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the hand pies in hot oil to ensure a crispy exterior.

- Be careful not to overfill the hand pies, as this can cause the filling to leak out during frying.

- Use a fork to seal the edges of the hand pies to prevent the filling from spilling out.

- Dust the fried hand pies with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fried hand pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Frying

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or vegetable oil as a substitute for shortening.

- Use any type of apples for the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the hand pies just before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fried hand pies on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the fried hand pies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fried hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fried hand pies contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fried hand pies contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fried hand pies contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of fried hand pies contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fried hand pies are a good source of Vitamin C from the apples used in the filling.

Alergens

Fried hand pies contain gluten from the flour used in the dough. They may also contain dairy from the butter used in the filling.

Summary

Fried hand pies are a delicious treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of Vitamin C from the apples used in the filling.

Summary

Fried hand pies are a delicious and portable treat filled with a sweet apple filling. They are perfect for snacking or as a special dessert. Enjoy the crispy exterior and flavorful filling of these delightful hand pies.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a simple handwritten note tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. The recipe was for fried hand pies, a delicious treat that I had never heard of before.

I remember sitting at the kitchen table, the warm afternoon sun streaming in through the window as I carefully read through the instructions. The recipe called for a flaky pastry dough filled with a sweet fruit filling and fried to golden perfection. It sounded like the perfect combination of crisp and sweet, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

As I set out to make the hand pies, I couldn't help but think back to my great-grandmother. She was an amazing cook who could whip up the most delicious dishes without even glancing at a recipe. I remembered spending hours in her kitchen, watching her expertly chop vegetables and season dishes with a pinch of this and a dash of that. She had a way of making everything she cooked taste like pure magic.

I followed the recipe carefully, rolling out the dough and filling it with a mixture of fresh apples, cinnamon, and sugar. As I sealed up the pies and dropped them into the hot oil, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of frying dough and caramelized apples. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the pies were golden brown and piping hot, I carefully lifted them out of the oil and set them on a paper towel to drain. I sprinkled them with a dusting of powdered sugar and took my first bite. The pastry was light and flaky, the filling sweet and tart. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

From that moment on, fried hand pies became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time I made them, I thought of my great-grandmother and the joy she brought to our family through her delicious cooking.

Over the years, I learned to make the hand pies my own, experimenting with different fillings and flavor combinations. I tried peach hand pies in the summer, pumpkin hand pies in the fall, and cherry hand pies in the spring. Each variation was a hit with my family and friends, and I loved the creative process of coming up with new recipes.

One day, while visiting a friend in the neighboring town, I was invited to a community potluck. I decided to bring a batch of my fried hand pies, eager to share my love of cooking with others. As I set out the platter of golden brown pastries, I watched as people's eyes lit up with excitement.

I was approached by an elderly woman who asked me where I had learned to make such delicious hand pies. I told her about my great-grandmother and the old handwritten recipe that had inspired me to start baking. She smiled and told me that she had a similar recipe passed down from her own grandmother.

We spent the afternoon talking about cooking and sharing stories of our family's favorite recipes. I learned that the hand pies I had made were a traditional dish in her family, a treat that had been passed down through generations. She shared her own tips and tricks for making the perfect pastry dough and filling, and I felt like I had found a kindred spirit in the world of cooking.

As I left the potluck that evening, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the connection I had made with the elderly woman. Our shared love of cooking had brought us together in a way I never could have imagined. I knew that the recipe for fried hand pies had not only brought joy to my own family, but had also helped me forge new friendships and connections in the wider community.

And so, every time I make a batch of fried hand pies, I think of my great-grandmother, the elderly woman from the potluck, and all the other cooks who have inspired me along the way. I am grateful for the recipes that have been passed down through generations, connecting me to my family's past and bringing joy to those around me. Cooking is not just about making food - it's about creating memories, sharing stories, and building relationships that last a lifetime. And for that, I am truly thankful.