Fried Apple Pies

Ingredients:

1 1/2         - cups sliced dried apples

2               - cups water

1               - tablespoon butter or margarine

1/2            - cup sugar

3/4            - teaspoon cinnamon

1/2            - teaspoon ground nutmeg

2               - cups all-purpose flour

1/2            - teaspoon salt

1/2            - cup shortening

1/4 to 1/2   - cup milk

                 - vegetable oil

                 - sifted powdered sugar

Procedure:

Step 1

- Combine apples and water in a medium saucepan; bring to boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes or until apples are soft and liquid evaporates.

Step 2

- Mash mixture with a fork. Stir in butter and next 3 ingredients; set apple mixture aside.

Step 3

- Combine flour and salt; cut in shortening with pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, evenly over surface; stir with a fork until dry mixtures are moistened.

Step 4

- Divide pastry into 6 portions. Roll each portion to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, and cut each into a 6-inch circle.

Step 5

- Spoon one-sixth of apple mixture on half of each circle. Moisten edges with water; fold dough over apple mixture, pressing edges to seal. Crimp edges with a fork.

Step 6

- Pour oil to depth of 1/2-inch into a large heavy skillet. Fry pies in hot oil over medium-high heat until golden brown, turning once. Drain well on paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Yield: 6 pies