Fried Sweet Potato Pies
Meet the Cook: With my dad being a farmer who grew them, sweet potatoes have graced our table for as long as I can recall. These, though, resulted from an experiment at a church bake sale when we had excess pastry. People couldnt get enough! -Marilyn Moseley, Toccoa, Georgia
Meet the Cook: With my dad being a farmer who grew them, sweet potatoes have graced our table for as long as I can recall. These, though, resulted from an experiment at a church bake sale when we had excess pastry. People couldnt get enough! -Marilyn Moseley, Toccoa, Georgia
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- filling:
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- oil for deep-fat frying
- 3/4 cup 2% milk
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
- confectioners' sugar optional
- 4-1/2 cups self-rising flour
- 1-1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Carbohydrate 0.665275000000292 g
- Cholesterol 88.5709243229969 mg
- Fat 5.6688759038776 g
- Fiber 0.232959991455078 g
- Protein 2.76940990000414 g
- Saturated Fat 2.3079580426536 g
- Serving Size 1 1 pies. (47g)
- Sodium 2690.60996726857 mg
- Sugar 0.432315008545214 g
- Trans Fat 0.52566920818088 g
- Calories 64 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine eggs and milk; add to crumb mixture, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Cover and chill several hours.
- In a large bowl, combine the seven filling ingredients; stir until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 25 portions.
- On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 5-in. circle.
- Spoon 1-1/2 tablespoons of filling on half of each circle.
- Moisten edges with water; fold dough over filling and press edges with a fork to seal.
- In a cast-iron or electric skillet, heat 1 inch of oil to 375 degrees.
- Fry pies, in batches, until golden brown, 1 minute.
- Drain on paper towels.
- If desired, dust with confectioners' sugar.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Fried Sweet Potato Pies: A Family Recipe
The aroma of fried sweet potato pies always takes me back to my childhood. My dad, a farmer with hands as rough as bark and a heart as warm as a summer day, grew the most incredible sweet potatoes. Our table was always graced with their earthy sweetness, whether roasted, mashed, or in a simple casserole. But these fried sweet potato pies? These were something special. They weren't a staple; they were a happy accident, a delicious byproduct of a church bake sale gone right.
We had a surplus of pastry dough, that leftover treasure that often leads to unexpected culinary adventures. I remember the flurry of activity in the kitchen, the rhythmic thump of rolling pins, the joyful chatter of women working together for a good cause. My mom, ever the resourceful homemaker, decided to experiment. Sweet potatoes, a pantry staple, and excess pastry dough, a happy accident, combined into these crispy, golden treasures. The result was nothing short of magical.
The pies were a sensation at the bake sale. People couldn't get enough of their crispy, flaky crust giving way to the warm, subtly sweet filling. There were smiles all around as the warm pies disappeared, leaving behind only happy memories and empty plates. This recipe isn’t just a recipe; it’s a legacy, a story passed down through generations, a reminder of community and the joy of unexpected culinary delights. The warmth of the kitchen, the camaraderie of the women, the unexpected success – it's all woven into every bite.
The Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe calls for simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final symphony of flavors. The self-rising flour provides the structure for the crust, while the shortening and butter create the perfect balance of flakiness and tenderness. The sweetness of the sugar is balanced by the earthy sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes. A touch of vanilla adds a warmth and depth, while the milk helps create a tender, slightly moist dough. The filling, simple yet satisfying, perfectly complements the delicate crust. And lastly, a dusting of confectioners' sugar offers an elegant finishing touch.
More Than Just a Pie: A Piece of History
This recipe isn't merely a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a window into the heart of a home, the spirit of a community, and the enduring power of family traditions. It's a story of resourcefulness, of turning unexpected leftovers into culinary masterpieces, and of sharing the fruits (or should I say, pies?) of one's labor with others. Each fried sweet potato pie is a small piece of history, a testament to the enduring spirit of Southern hospitality and the magic that can happen when you embrace the unexpected.
Beyond the Recipe: A Culinary Legacy
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its potential for adaptation and personalization. Feel free to experiment with the filling, adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer, more comforting flavor profile. You could also substitute other root vegetables, such as carrots or parsnips, for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, just as the memories associated with this simple yet extraordinary pie.
A Simple Recipe, A Lasting Impression
These fried sweet potato pies are more than just a dessert; they're an experience. They're a reminder of simpler times, of family gatherings, and of the unexpected joys that life throws our way. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the aroma of these golden-brown treasures fill your kitchen. Let each bite transport you back to a time of warmth, laughter, and the sweet taste of community. And most importantly, let the legacy of this simple recipe continue for generations to come.
Serving Suggestions
These pies are delightful on their own, but they can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making them the perfect treat for a chilly evening or a cozy afternoon.
Conclusion
So, go ahead and try this recipe. Not only will you enjoy the delicious result, but you’ll also find yourself carrying on a culinary tradition, one sweet potato pie at a time.
