A Taste of Nostalgia: Homemade Fried Apple (or Peach) Pies
Remember the warm, gooey comfort of fried apple pies from your childhood? This recipe brings back those nostalgic flavors with a simple and delicious homemade version. Made with readily available ingredients like dried apples (or peaches), flaky biscuits, and a touch of cinnamon, these fried pies are perfect for a satisfying dessert or a fun afternoon snack.
A Burst of Fruity Goodness:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can use dried apples or peaches for the filling, depending on your preference. Both fruits offer a delightful sweetness and a soft texture that pairs perfectly with the flaky biscuit crust.
Ingredients:
- The Fruity Filling:
- 8 ounces dried apples (or dried peaches)
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or apple pie spice)
- The Flaky Crust:
- 1 can (around 10 biscuits) jumbo refrigerated flaky biscuits
- Frying Magic:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Rehydrating the Dried Fruit: In a saucepan, combine the dried apples (or peaches) with the water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat, cover the pan, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the dried fruit is softened and tender.
- Sweetening the Deal: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the fruit mixture cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, mash the softened fruit with a fork or potato masher until it reaches a slightly chunky consistency. Stir in the sugar and butter until fully incorporated. If using fresh apples (see recipe note below), follow the alternative instructions for preparing the filling.
- Preparing the Filling (Fresh Apple Option): Recipe Note: If you prefer fresh apples, simply heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 peeled, cored, and chopped apples, along with the sugar, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Cook the mixture for 15 minutes, or until the apples are softened. Remove from heat, mash slightly, and let cool before using as the filling.
- Shaping the Pies: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll out each biscuit from the can into a 5-inch circle. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple (or peach) mixture onto one half of each biscuit circle.
- Sealing the Deal: Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and moisten the edges of the biscuit circle. Fold the circle in half over the filling, forming a semi-circle shape. Press the edges firmly together with a fork dipped in flour to create a tight seal. This ensures the filling doesn't leak out while frying.
- Heating Up the Fun: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 370°F (190°C). You can check the temperature using a kitchen thermometer.
- Golden Goodness: Carefully place the prepared fried pies into the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan and fry the pies in batches if necessary.
- Draining and Enjoying: Once golden brown, remove the fried pies from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- A Delicious Reward! Let the fried apple (or peach) pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm and gooey, savoring the burst of fruity flavor and the flaky, buttery crust. This recipe yields approximately 10 fried pies, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Tips:
- For a fun twist, you can sprinkle the fried pies with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar before serving.
- Leftover fried pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- You can experiment with different spices in the filling, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a touch of variety.
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