Zu's Fried Apple Pies

Ingredients

• 2 appless - peeled , cored and chopped
• 0.33 cups white sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cups vegetable shortening
• 0.5 cups water , or as needed
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
• 2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   Place apples into a saucepan with sugar and cinnamon, and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook apples, stirring frequently, until soft, about 10 minutes; mash apples with a fork to form a chunky applesauce. Set the apple filling aside.

2. 2

   Whisk flour and salt together in a bowl; cut in shortening with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until the dough is moistened, and knead several times just until dough holds together. Place dough onto a floured surface, pat into a round, and roll out 1/8-inch thick. Use a large round cookie cutter (4 inches in diameter) to cut the dough into 8 rounds.

3. 3

   Place a heaping tablespoon of apple filling onto the center of a dough round, and use your finger to moisten the edge of the crust with cold water. Fold the dough over the filling, and crimp the edges with a fork to make a half-moon-shaped pie. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

4. 4

   Pour the oil into a skillet over medium-high heat, and gently lay 2 or 3 pies into the hot oil. Fry to a golden brown color, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain the pies on paper towels. Sprinkle a pinch of confectioners' sugar over each pie to serve. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.