Granny's Fried Apple Pies

Granny's Fried Apple Pies: A Sweet Treat from the Heart

The aroma of warm, golden-brown fried apple pies fills the kitchen, a comforting scent that instantly transports me back to my childhood. My Granny's recipe wasn't just a collection of ingredients; it was a story woven into each perfectly crimped edge, each juicy bite. It was a legacy passed down through generations, a testament to simple pleasures and the magic of homemade goodness. Making these pies isn't just about following a recipe; it's about connecting with the past, sharing a tradition, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It's the kind of recipe that's as much about the process as it is about the final product—the time spent in the kitchen, the laughter shared with loved ones, and the warmth that radiates from every perfectly fried pie. The sweetness isn’t just in the apples; it's in the heart of the matter, in the love poured into every step.

I remember spending countless afternoons in Granny’s kitchen, watching her nimble fingers work their magic with flour and shortening. The rhythmic thump of her rolling pin, the gentle sizzle of the pies in the hot oil – these were the sounds of my childhood, the soundtrack to countless happy memories. She’d always have a story to tell, a funny anecdote to share, while simultaneously instructing me on the finer points of pie-making. Her wisdom, like her pies, was both comforting and delicious. And although years have passed, and Granny’s no longer with us, the memory of her and the taste of her fried apple pies continue to bring me warmth and joy. This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a reminder of the love, laughter, and cherished memories we shared.

The crispy, golden crust gives way to a sweet, tart apple filling, a perfect balance of textures and flavors that has captivated generations. Each bite is a journey back in time, a moment of pure bliss. More than just a dessert, these pies are a symbol of home, family, and the enduring power of tradition. They're a reminder that even the simplest things in life can bring the greatest joy. The process of making them, from preparing the apples to crimping the edges, is a meditative practice, a chance to slow down and connect with something deeper than ourselves. The fragrant steam rising from the freshly fried pies, the happy chatter of loved ones gathered around the table—these are the moments that truly make life worthwhile. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the magic begin. Create your own memories with this timeless recipe. It's a guarantee of happiness and a delicious treat for all.

The simple ingredients tell a story of their own: the tartness of the apples, the richness of the shortening, the wholesome warmth of the flour. Together, they create a masterpiece of flavor, a testament to the power of simple, unadulterated ingredients. These pies are a celebration of the ordinary, a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary experiences come from the simplest of sources. And the best part? Sharing them. Sharing a warm pie with family and friends, watching their faces light up with each bite – that's the true reward. It’s a tradition worth preserving, a legacy worth sharing, and a memory worth making, one golden-brown pie at a time.

Step-by-step

• Put apples in a large pot or Dutch oven and add enough water to almost cover.
• Stir in two cups sugar.
• Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
• Turn heat down just a little so apples continue to simmer.
• Break up apples with a spoon as they cook.
• Cook until apples are tender and juicy, stirring frequently. You may need to add more water as they cook. Do not allow the apples to get dry.
• Remove apples from heat and allow to cool.
• Start with 4 heaping cups of self-rising flour and cut in ½ cup Crisco shortening with a fork or your fingers.
• Mix well until shortening is fully incorporated into the flour.
• Add 1 ½ cups of ice water to flour, and add additional ice water as needed to get all the dry flour mixed in.
• Mix with a fork until dough is sticky.
• Dip hands in flour and sprinkle additional flour onto dough so that you can knead it. Use additional flour as needed to be able to knead the dough until smooth and non-sticky.
• Pinch off pieces of dough to make balls slightly smaller than ping pong balls.
• Roll each ball out until thin.
• Add a heaping spoonful or two of apples to one side of rolled dough. After the first couple, you will learn exactly how much apples to place on the dough. If you put too much, the dough will not cover without tearing.
• Dip your finger in water and rub around the edges of the dough where the apples are.
• Carefully fold the dough over and press the edges together lightly to seal.
• Using a fork, crimp the edges to fully seal.
• Once all the pies are ready, add about ½ cup Crisco shortening to a large skillet and heat on medium-high.
• Once the grease is hot enough to sizzle from a drop of water, carefully lay two or three pies in the skillet.
• Cook about a minute to a minute and a half on each side until they are golden brown.
• Lay pies on a large platter lined with paper towels and serve immediately.
• Pies will keep for a few days but are best eaten within two days.