Sugar’s Apricot Fried Pies

These homemade fried pies were a special treat my momma (aka Sugar) made for me as a child. I still make these delicious apricot fried pies today, bringing back the wonderful memories of she and I in the kitchen. I love you Sugar.

Recipe makes about 18 six-inch pies.

Whatcha Need:

For the filling:

• 14 ounces dried apricots
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• water to cover
• 2 Tablespoons butter

For the pastry:

• 4 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for rolling out
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup Crisco vegetable shortening
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup cold water, or as needed
• Crisco cooking oil to a depth of 2"

Whatcha Do:

1. FOR THE FILLING: In a large saucepan, combine apricots and sugar. Add enough water to just cover the fruit. Cover pan and cook over low heat until fruit is falling apart. Remove lid and continue to cook until water is evaporated. Remove from heat, stir in butter and using a potato masher mash fruit until it is slightly lumpy. Set aside.

2. FOR THE PASTRY: Make the pastry: Sift dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles meal. Add buttermilk and stir until dough forms. Add more flour or milk if needed to achieve the right consistency. Chill for 10 minutes.

3. ASSEMBLY: Flour the work surface. Roll out dough and, using a small saucer cut into 18 6-inch circles. Place about 2 tablespoons of apple mixture in the center. Moisten edges with cold water and fold over to form a half moon shape. Seal pastry with a fork dipped in water.

4. Heat oil in a large high-sided iron skillet over medium heat to 350 degrees. Use a spatula to lift pies and lower them carefully into the hot oil. Cook a minute or two on each side. Drain on paper towels.

5. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.