Ah, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pie, wafting through the air, promising a sweet and comforting treat. There's something so magical about making a pie. It’s more than just a dessert; it's an act of love, a symbol of warmth and happiness. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, there's a certain satisfaction that comes with creating something delicious from scratch. Today, we're going on a culinary adventure to delve into the world of fried apple and peach pies. These crispy, golden beauties are a perfect blend of sweet, juicy fruit and flaky, buttery crust, guaranteed to satisfy any craving.

Fried Apple and Peach Pies: A Delightful Journey into Flavor

INGREDIENTS

For the Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/2 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup water
For the Peach Filling:
4 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup water
For Frying:
Vegetable oil or shortening, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting

DIRECTIONS

Make the Crust:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Fillings:
For Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir gently to combine. Add the water and stir again.
For Peach Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir gently to combine. Add the water and stir again.
Assemble the Pies:
1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Cut the circle into 6 equal wedges.
2. Spoon about 1/4 cup of apple filling into the center of each wedge.
3. Fold the sides of each wedge over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
4. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Fry the Pies:
1. Heat about 2 inches of oil or shortening in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place the pies, one at a time, into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the pies from the oil and drain on paper towels.
4. Dust the fried pies with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Tips and Variations:
For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter for the crust.
Add a splash of lemon juice to the fillings for a brighter taste.
Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations. For example, try a mix of apples and cranberries or peaches and blueberries.
For a decadent twist, top the fried pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For a fun presentation, serve the fried pies with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage:
Fried apple and peach pies are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Enjoy the Process:
Making these fried apple and peach pies is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. As you knead the dough, mix the fillings, and fry the pies, take a moment to appreciate the simple joy of creating something delicious from scratch. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. So gather your loved ones, share these crispy, golden treats, and savor every bite of these delightful pies.