Fried Pies

Ingredients:

-2 cups flour

-1/2 cup shortening, chilled

-1 tsp salt

-1/2 cup cold water

-pie filling of choice

Directions:

Sift flour and salt together. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbles. Add cold water, 1 tbsp. at a time and mix with a fork. When the flour mixture is moistened, gather into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thick and cut rounds with a large cookie cutter (4 inch in diameter).

In each round, place 1 heaping tablespoon of filling. Moisten edges with cold water, fold in half, and press edge with a fork to seal. Repeat with the remaining pastry and filing.

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees (190 degrees Celsius).

Fry the pies, a few at a time, 2-3 minutes on each side; cook until the crust is golden brown. Drain on paper towels.