Apple, Peach, and Gritty Chocolate Fried Pies Recipe

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough
   1. Sift the 3 cups of all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl.
   2. Add the 1/2 cup of Crisco shortening to the flour and work it in until the mixture becomes crumbly. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers for this step.
   3. Gradually add 1 cup of buttermilk and work the dough into a stiff ball. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more buttermilk. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
   4. Once the dough is ready, pinch off golf ball-sized pieces and roll each one into a 5-6 inch circle on a floured surface. The dough should be thin, but not too fragile.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling
   1. If you’re using store-bought apple or peach pie filling, chop the fruit into smaller pieces for a better texture when it’s inside the pie.
   2. For homemade filling, cook the apples or peaches with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice until softened and syrupy, then chop into small pieces.
3. Prepare the Gritty Chocolate Filling
   1. In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat.
   2. Stir in the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, mixing until smooth and well combined.
   3. Let the chocolate mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Pies
   1. Take each of the rolled-out dough circles and add 2 tablespoons of your chosen filling (apple, peach, or chocolate) in the center.
   2. Wet half of the edges of the dough circle with a little water using your fingertips.
   3. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use the tines of a floured fork to crimp the edges and ensure a good seal.
   4. Repeat the process for all of the dough balls, creating pies for both the fruit and chocolate fillings.
5. Fry the Pies
   1. Heat 1/4 to 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of dough sizzles when dropped in.
   2. Once the oil is hot, gently add 2-3 pies to the skillet at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
   3. Remove the pies from the oil and place them on paper towel-lined trays to drain excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   1. Allow the pies to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
   2. Serve them on their own or with a side of whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgence!
      

      Notes