Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 cups peeled and chopped fresh peaches
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- 3-inch round cookie cutter
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
For the dough:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Add chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and shape each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For the filling:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped peaches, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the peaches are soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
To assemble and fry the pies:
1. On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough.
3. Place a heaping tablespoon of peach filling in the center of each circle.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the dough together.
5. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.
7. Fry the pies in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
5. Temperature:
Frying temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 fried pies
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 280
Total fat: 13g
Saturated fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 18g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches if they're not in season.
- You can use shortening instead of butter for the dough.
- You can use a different type of fruit for the filling, such as apples or berries.
Variations:
- Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the peach filling for a boozy twist.
- Sprinkle the fried pies with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar after frying.
- Serve the fried pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when making the dough to ensure a flaky texture.
- Don't overfill the pies or they may burst open during frying.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Storage instructions:
- Store the fried pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the fried pies, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the fried pies on a platter and dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
- Serve the fried pies in individual bowls with a scoop of ice cream on top.
Garnishes:
- Fresh peach slices
- Whipped cream
- Mint leaves
Pairings:
- Sweet tea
- Lemonade
- Sparkling wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Grilled corn on the cob
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add more water a tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
- If the pies burst open during frying, try sealing the edges more tightly with a fork.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure the pies cook through and don't absorb too much oil.
Food history:
- Fried pies are a Southern tradition that dates back to the 19th century, when they were a popular snack for travelers.
Flavor profiles:
- The fried pies have a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, spiced peach filling.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the fried pies warm or at room temperature.
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