Zu's Fried Apple Pies Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• cup white sugar
• teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• cup vegetable shortening
• cup water (or as needed)
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
• 2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

Directions

Step 1: Place apples, sugar, and cinnamon into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring frequently. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the apples are soft. Use a fork to mash the apples into a chunky applesauce. Set the apple filling aside.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in water until the dough is moistened. Knead the dough a few times until it holds together.

Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, pat it into a round shape, and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a large round cookie cutter (approximately 4 inches in diameter), cut out 8 dough rounds.

Step 4: Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough round. Moisten the edge of the dough with cold water using your finger. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pie. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 5: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently place 2 to 3 pies into the oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pies and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Sprinkle each pie with a pinch of confectioners' sugar. Let the pies cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 pie):

• Calories: 304
• Total Fat: 16g (20% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (18% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 292mg (13% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g (14% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 3g (7% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 9mg (1% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (8% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 71mg (2% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.