Fried Apple Hand Pies

Ingredients:

2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

¼ cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade dough)

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, combine the apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft, about 8–10 minutes.

Stir together the cornstarch and water, then add to the apple mixture. Cook for another minute or until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts and cut into 4–5 inch circles.

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling into the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal.

Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the pies in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

For extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk and vanilla).

Serve warm for a nostalgic Southern treat — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.